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“I've had scary thoughts since having a baby”
A short answer
Frightening, unwanted thoughts after having a baby, such as an image of the baby getting hurt, are a recognized symptom. These thoughts are scary, but they're almost never acted on, and having them doesn't make you a bad parent. They can be part of postpartum anxiety, OCD or depression, which are treatable. They're different from postpartum psychosis, which is a medical emergency.
Postpartum psychosis needs urgent care
Confusion, seeing or hearing things that aren't there, extreme agitation or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby after giving birth need care right away. Please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Learn more
What we'd like you to know
Some new parents have sudden thoughts or images of something bad happening to their baby: dropping them, an accident, or even themselves doing something harmful. When these thoughts feel horrifying and completely against what you want, they're a symptom, not a sign of what you'll do. Parents who have them may check on the baby again and again or keep asking for reassurance, which brings short relief and can keep the thoughts coming.
These thoughts can be part of postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD or postpartum depression. All of them are treatable, and talking about them is the first step. You can tell us without being judged.
Postpartum psychosis is different, and it's a medical emergency. If a new parent is confused, seeing or hearing things that aren't there, seems out of touch with reality, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
That's a very common reaction to postpartum intrusive thoughts. It's a reason to reach out, and it isn't a sign you'll act on them.
Intrusive thoughts after having a babyChecking and asking for reassurance can be signs of postpartum OCD. They bring short relief, and treatment helps you step out of that cycle.
What postpartum OCD isConstant worry and trouble resting can be signs of postpartum anxiety, which is often missed and very treatable.
Postpartum anxietyIf it's been more than two weeks, or it feels severe, please don't wait for your postpartum checkup to mention it. Postpartum depression responds to treatment.
Postpartum depression vs. baby bluesThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What helps your first visit
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Scary thoughts after a baby
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1If you have scary thoughts about your baby, it's best to keep them to yourself.
Myth. Please tell a provider about them right away. They can be a sign of postpartum depression, anxiety or OCD, which are treatable.
2Having a horrifying thought means you're likely to act on it.
Myth. These thoughts are scary, but they're almost never acted on. They're unwanted and go against what the parent values, which is why they're so distressing.
3Seeing or hearing things that aren't there after giving birth is an emergency.
Fact. These can be signs of postpartum psychosis, which needs care right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We talk about the thoughts, your mood, sleep, history, pregnancy and birth, medications and support at home.
3Weighing the options together
We explain the benefits and risks of treatment and of untreated illness, including while breastfeeding, and you decide together with your provider.
4Working alongside your ob-gyn
If you'd like us to, and with your permission, we can share information with your ob-gyn (or primary care provider) so your care fits together.
5Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly to see what's helping and adjust carefully. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: Perinatal depression
- MedlinePlus: Depression after childbirth
- NHS: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- NHS: Postpartum psychosis
- APA Monitor: OCD diagnosis and treatment (2026)
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 26, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
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