OCD/anxiety

[Hopex3]

hi all,

I am nearly 30 weeks and have suffered with OCD for over 12 years now. for a few years when I was younger it got better but last few years have been quite bad again. now I'm pregnant it is awful. pretty much every awful thought and fear I have is related to the baby. so much so I have a set of routines I need to complete in order to keep her safe even though I know this is completely irrational.

it's also ironic as it makes my anxiety so much worse as I get so upset when I'm so tired but feel I have to complete these rituals otherwise something awful is going to happen. the waiting list for CBT is so long I dont think I'd be seen any time soon. I was just wondering if anyone else suffered with OCD and how they combated it particularly when pregnant,

thank you

If you are waiting for CBT, you should be pretty high on the list as you are pregnant. I was bumped up and seen within 2 weeks I think. It's worth a try to be seen as it can't be easy for you.

I have really tried to tell myself that the stress I feel having to do everything perfectly or I'm a certain way is not doing anything for the baby or me at all but it seems to be the only way I can keep the constant anxiety down atm :( I'll get onto my gp and midwife again and see what they can do, I've tried private counsellors in my area too who are booked up for a while. it's so frustrating as you know the thoughts are irrational but almost impossible to ignore! x

I know how you feel I'm in the same boat - 30w pregnant and had OCD since childhood. It's hard but you will get better!
Hang in there!