Scary Intrusive Thoughts as a New Mom Are More Common Than You Think
Horrifying “what if” thoughts about your baby don’t mean something is wrong with you. Here’s what they usually are.
The short answer
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images about harm coming to your baby are extremely common in the postpartum period — often a feature of postpartum anxiety or OCD, not a sign you’d ever act on them. In fact, they horrify you precisely because they’re against your values.
When to reach out
If the thoughts are frequent, distressing, or driving lots of checking and avoidance, therapy helps enormously. You are not alone, and you are not a danger to your child for having them.
Frequently asked questions
Are intrusive thoughts dangerous?
Intrusive thoughts that distress you are not the same as intent, and they’re very common postpartum. If you ever feel you might act on a thought, seek help immediately — call or text 988.