Would this bother you?

[Abigwhale]

So back story: I have ocd relating to germs but most recently worrying about threadworms. Now I know they are very treatable BUT I’m 38 weeks pregnant so not treatable with medication for me at the moment and my ocd tells me that giving birth with worms would be awful.

Anyway, would it bother you if you took your toddler somewhere and another kid had their hands down the back of their pants and then played with all the toys your child would also be playing with. Would you take your child back there the next week?

I’m struggling to get any perspective.

Yes and no. It is minging but it is also exactly what little kids do. It's good to get exposed to germs but I wouldn't be happy with bum germs! Barring sterilizing everything (which isn't great either!) What do you plan to do? Never take them out? You don't want your anxieties rubbing off on them, or would you be ok with that?

When I see a dirty toy that my LO is making a bee line for I move it out of sight and say "Not that one, it's dirty. Ooh look at this book/car/toy/dolly" it's working at the moment, not many tantrums.

I absolutely don’t want this to effect them and I’m having CBT to try to deal with it. I guess I just feel this would be the worst possible time to get something and I’m exhausted and hormonal!

Maybe I’m trying to work out whether to lay low for a few weeks until post birth or whether to push myself to expose myself to the things I find most difficult.

I wouldn't push yourself right now, pregnancy is difficult enough! Once your LO has safely arrived and you both get into the swing of things again then try addressing things with professional help you be started. It's a big thing to take on, on your own!

Thank you for taking the time to respond so compassionately

Do you actually have worms at the moment?

No I don’t. But I do have OCD.

Hi, yes it would bother me. As I am like you but I’m slightly ocd with germs. Especially when pregnant. You could wet wipe your child’s hands after they’ve been playing? I know it sounds silly but I understand why you’d be worried x

I'd avoid going back to that place since it's causing you distress. There's other places to go instead. A child with their hands down their pants is worse than your average snotty nosed toddler.