Is It Normal to Have Intrusive Thoughts After Birth?
Becoming a new mom is often described as one of the most joyful times in life. But if you’ve ever been rocking your baby and suddenly imagined them slipping from your arms, or had an image pop into your mind of something terrible happening—you might have felt shocked, scared, or ashamed.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many new moms experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts after giving birth. These thoughts can feel overwhelming, but they don’t mean you’re a “bad mom.” In fact, they are much more common than most people realize.
In this post, we’ll break down what intrusive thoughts are, why they happen postpartum, and how therapy can help you find relief.
What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing images or ideas that pop into your mind. They often show up suddenly, without warning, and feel completely out of character for who you are.
Examples might include:
Worries about accidentally harming your baby
Images of dropping your baby while carrying them
Thoughts about illness, contamination, or something bad happening
Violent or sexual thoughts that feel disturbing or “wrong”
These thoughts can feel so upsetting that many new moms worry it means something is seriously wrong with them. But here’s the truth: intrusive thoughts are a symptom, not a reflection of your character.
Why Do Intrusive Thoughts Happen After Birth?
Several factors can contribute:
Hormonal changes after pregnancy can impact mood and anxiety.
Sleep deprivation leaves your brain more vulnerable to anxiety spikes.
Responsibility overload—suddenly caring for a tiny, vulnerable baby—naturally increases fears.
For some, postpartum OCD (a type of perinatal anxiety) can trigger recurring intrusive thoughts alongside compulsions (like checking or seeking reassurance).
It’s important to know: intrusive thoughts are different from postpartum psychosis. Moms with intrusive thoughts usually feel horrified by the thoughts and would never want to act on them. That strong sense of “this is wrong” is a key sign.
How Do Intrusive Thoughts Affect New Moms?
Many moms keep these thoughts secret, afraid of being judged. This can lead to:
Increased anxiety and guilt (“Why am I even thinking this?”)
Avoidance behaviors (avoiding holding the baby, asking others to take over)
Feeling isolated (“No one else could possibly understand this”)
When left untreated, intrusive thoughts can make the postpartum period feel heavy, scary, and disconnected instead of joyful.
Can Therapy Help With Intrusive Thoughts?
Absolutely. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to share what’s happening without fear of stigma. The right support helps you understand your thoughts, reduce their power, and get back to feeling like yourself again.
At Perinatal OCD & Intrusive Thoughts Therapy, we often use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Learn how to notice intrusive thoughts without spiraling into fear.
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP): Gently practice reducing compulsions like checking or avoidance.
Mindfulness & Acceptance skills: Help you respond differently to anxious thoughts rather than fighting them.
Many moms report that once they open up about these thoughts in therapy, the relief is immediate: “I finally realized I’m not alone, and I’m not broken.”
When to Seek Support
While intrusive thoughts are common, you don’t have to carry them alone. Consider reaching out if:
Your thoughts are frequent and distressing
You’re avoiding caring for your baby out of fear
Anxiety feels overwhelming or interferes with daily life
Guilt or shame is weighing you down
Therapy can make an incredible difference, helping you feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to your baby.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve been struggling silently, please know—having intrusive thoughts does not mean you’re a bad mom. It means you’re a human mom under a lot of stress, and support is available.
Learn more about Perinatal OCD & Intrusive Thoughts Therapy, or explore how Perinatal Anxiety Therapy can support you if anxiety shows up in multiple ways.
Final Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts after birth are more common than most moms realize. Talking about them—especially with a therapist trained in perinatal mental health—can take away their power. With the right support, you can step out of the cycle of fear and find calm in your motherhood journey.
If you’re in Austin or anywhere in Colorado, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, or Texas, I’d be honored to support you. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.