Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
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Are you spending sleepless nights worrying about the growth of your unborn baby? Do you strongly believe that by only following certain healthy habits you can enjoy a safe pregnancy? Well, if you can relate to the above situations you must give OCD a thought!
Leading a disciplined lifestyle is a must during pregnancy but do not stress yourself over it. Do you know pregnancy tends to trigger Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in women? Read on to know when practicing safe habits can spell danger for you and what you can do to help yourself!
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? [1]
When you are pregnant, you want to do everything right to safeguard the development of your precious baby and your health. You want to make sure that not only you but everyone around you also practices safe and healthy habits. Well, you will be glad to know such behavior is normal while expecting!
However, sometimes the insistence on discipline can turn into a nagging habit and obsession. You may feel the urge to check whether everyone is following your instructions. You may repeatedly remind people to adhere strictly to the list of dos and don’ts. The overwhelming fear and concern can cause you immense stress and anxiety.
You may worry to such an extent that no amount of checking or repeating actions can help. It can soon turn to a vicious circle where in order to end your misery, you repeat the process and become more uneasy. The truth is that, no matter how much you try, it becomes difficult for you to control these compulsive habits. It is, in fact, the fixation that ends up controlling your behavior.
[ Read: How To Deal With Anxiety During Pregnancy ]
What Is Gestational Or Pregnancy Induced OCD? [2]
OCD can be crippling for anyone. But, during pregnancy the levels of OCD can reach an all-new high. You not only worry about yourself and people around you, but you also worry about the baby growing in your womb. In many cases, pregnancy triggers OCD.
Symptoms Of OCD During Pregnancy:
You can watch out for these common symptoms of OCD: [3]
- You always worry about contamination. You are afraid of germs and the infection they can cause.
- You wash your hands many times a day in a desperate bid to eradicate germs. You repeatedly use a hand sanitizer and ask people around you to do the same.
- You immediately wash or wipe your hands after coming in contact with another person or surface.
- You repeatedly clean all the objects in your house.You constantly worry about the growth of your unborn baby. You are perennially apprehending that something may go wrong during your pregnancy and want to check with your doctor on a regular basis. You can end up consulting your doctor almost daily and sometimes, even multiple times a day.
- You worry about misplacing your pregnancy related medical reports. You arrange the prescriptions and test reports carefully. You may take them out and re-arrange them, before storing them away. You fear losing some documents while re-arranging, so you take them out and sort them yet again.
- You worry that you will miss out on important things to buy before your baby arrives. To keep everything in place, you make a list that puts down everything in detail. But what if you missed out writing something important on the list? You go through it repeatedly and revise it endlessly.
[ Read: How To Cope With Stress During Pregnancy ]
Treating OCD During Pregnancy: [4]
When you suffer from OCD during pregnancy, you repeat things to an extent that it can turn detrimental for your physical, as well as mental well-being. Your worries and obsessions control and consume you, and you never feel at rest, even when you are asleep. It is important to speak to your doctor about all the fears and doubts you have. Your doctor will be able to advise whether or not you need psychiatric assessment and treatment during pregnancy.
[ Read: Schizophrenia During Pregnancy ]
It is a natural and maternal instinct to protect your baby from all potential harm. However, it is better you focus on the bliss of motherhood that is around the corner for you now!
Did you suffer from OCD during pregnancy? How did you manage your symptoms and fears? Please share your experience and advice with us.
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