Can pregnancy cause ocd?

[tealpot]

I'm in my 29th week of pregnancy and my behaviour has changed dramatically.
I'm cleaning my kitchen about 6 times a day, completely irrational if anyone leaves any crumbs or anything lying around and it's driving my family mad.
I'm not able to stop and leave it though but it's so far away from how am usually, I really struggle with housework due to ADHD and have never willingly cleaned before just as a chore I resent doing but this is so compulsive I actually enjoy cleaning all the time.
This is my 4th pregnancy and I've never done this before so I'm not talking normal nesting urges.
I have been a bit stressed lately but the main reason for that is my son not cleaning up properly. I'm in a catch 22 the cleaning makes me stressed and when I'm feeling stressed I feel the urge to clean.

@tealpot congratulations on the pregnancy. Yes this can absolutely be a thing. A good friend of mine had this in her second pregnancy. Go easy on yourself - you are growing a human after all! And talk to your midwife as there is additional mental health support available during pregnancy. I had additional support for anxiety but I did have to push to get the help (something I complained about afterwards - lots of people wouldn't feel able to advocate for themselves like I did). But anyway do insist on getting support and hopefully you will be referred to the specialist teams. Best of luck with it all!

oh you poor thing OP
living with OCD, during pregnancy must be hell ish.

No advice as i have no experience but just 🌷 and i wish you well as must be hard

I developed OCD after giving birth. Omg it takes me an hour to wash my daughter's bottles. I'm constantly washing my hands and feet. I must change my clothes 3-4 times a day. I don't let anyone hold my daughter unless they've washed their hands. I don't like anyone coming into my room/sit on my bed. My new best friend is my antibacterial spray. Its horrible but I can't seem to snap out of it!!

The main distinction between OCD and obsessive cleaning is how it affects you. Do you enjoy the cleaning? Or do you feel that you must do it to avoid something dreadful happening to you or your family?