I have always had low level OCD but it’s heightened since being pregnant. My worries mainly focus on ingesting things I shouldn’t, such as cleaning sprays when cleaning, plastic in food, out of date food etc.
My latest worry is ridiculous. Some paint was peeling off the wall so I scratched it with my fingernail, then went to wash my hands. I am now concerned (and unable to rationalise this one) that somehow, I didn’t wash my hands thoroughly enough, the paint was under my nail, I could have put my hands in my mouth as sometimes I bite my nails, and I may have ingested paint.
Typing it out, I see how bloody ridiculous it looks. I am sure I haven’t bitten my nails this afternoon. I know I washed my hands. There might not have even been any paint on my finger in the first place. And so what if I did eat it? My immune system would deal with it/stomach acid would break it down no problems and it wouldn’t affect baby at all
That’s how I would advise someone else, or myself on a more level-headed day. The problem is sometimes I get a scenario like the above in my head and ruminate on it for hours, and it stops me from being able to do anything else. I usually have to seek reassurance from multiple people and even that doesn’t satisfy me fully, I seem to just move on after a few hours myself.
Is there a way to nip these thoughts in the bud? Obviously it’s not a sustainable way of thinking and something I need to get a grip on, pre-pregnancy I managed OCD traits quite well but it seems I have more to worry about now :) x