Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Scientists are set to explore the causes and possible treatments for perinatal intrusions—intense and vivid thoughts that affect most individuals during and after pregnancy.
Nearly all mothers experience intrusive and distressing thoughts throughout pregnancy and postpartum, yet little is understood about their origins or how to manage them. A University of New South Wales (UNSW) researcher describes this as a “severely overlooked” area of study due to a lack of available evidence.
To bridge this gap, researchers from UNSW Sydney and the George Institute are launching a five-year study on ‘perinatal intrusions.’ Their work is detailed in a focus article published recently in Science Advances.
Scientia Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, who is leading the study at UNSW Science pointed out that intrusions involve thoughts of harm related to the infant, which can occur during pregnancy but are more common in the first year after birth.
“So the type of thoughts that most women will have are thoughts of accidental harm – like imagining the baby falling off a changing table, or a pram rolling away – and these are quite vivid images that seem to come out of nowhere.”
But perhaps more distressing, not to mention isolating, are thoughts of causing intentional harm to the infants.
“Half of all women who give birth will additionally have thoughts of intentionally harming their baby. Again, these thoughts come out of nowhere and it’s one of the worst things you can think of as a human being.”
Associate Professor Schweizer emphasizes that these thoughts are extremely common and do not translate into actions. She likens them to the fleeting urge some people feel when standing near the edge of a high cliff, momentarily imagining stepping off, despite having no intention of doing so.
She indicated that from an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense that mothers are highly attuned to potential dangers in their caregiving environment, as their infant relies entirely on their vigilance.
However, understanding that these thoughts may have an evolutionary purpose designed to protect mothers and infants does not make them any less distressing. Associate Professor Schweizer notes that some women are more susceptible to these perinatal intrusions escalating into an anxiety disorder, which could have a negative impact on both mother and child.
The research led by the UNSW team, in collaboration with partners in India and Canada, will explore the social, biological, and cognitive factors that make women more susceptible to mental health challenges during the perinatal period. A key aspect of the study will examine how hormonal changes influence a mother’s cognition and mood throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Associate Professor Schweizer pointed out that research on the menstrual cycle has already shown that some women are highly sensitive to hormonal changes throughout the cycle.
She further indicated that for some, these fluctuations are so extreme that they trigger symptoms of depression, a deep sense of hopelessness, a loss of motivation, and an inability to find pleasure in anything.
The research team is collaborating with women who have firsthand experience with perinatal mental health challenges to develop materials for an upcoming study, set to launch in the next few weeks. This study will follow women throughout the perinatal period, examining intrusive thoughts and their connection to maternal mental health. Researchers will explore various contributing factors, including cognitive patterns, hormonal sensitivity, and social support.
Associate Professor Schweizer emphasizes the importance of this work, expressing hope that the insights gained will help expectant parents and healthcare professionals better understand and prepare for the diverse mental health experiences women may face during this critical time.
She indicated that at present most healthcare providers and parents recognize conditions like postpartum depression and the ‘baby blues.
