Research
Most new parents have intrusive thoughts about their baby being harmed: It's OK to talk about it
The Brief
- Most new parents report intrusive thoughts about their baby being harmed, according to the reported research.
- Perinatal intrusive thoughts are a common experience that can affect parents' long-term mental health.
- Few parents are told about these thoughts before or after birth, according to the article.
Why it matters
Science readers covering maternal and perinatal health should know that intrusive thoughts are widespread, which can inform how clinicians and writers discuss postnatal mental health.
Who’s affected
- new and expecting parents
- clinicians and perinatal mental health professionals
- #perinatal mental health
- #intrusive thoughts
- #parenting
- #postnatal care
Telling your friends and family you're pregnant will earn you an avalanche of advice. Yet few parents will ever be told about a common experience that can impact the parents' long-term mental health: perinatal intrusive thoughts.
Timeline
Medical Xpress published its article on perinatal intrusive thoughts
Medical Xpress - latest medical and health news stories
Most new parents have intrusive thoughts about their baby being harmed: It's OK to talk about it