Woman Wanted To Give Birth at 28 Weeks—Doctors Didn’t Understand Why
Summary
Ashleigh McNicholas, 31, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), wanted to give birth early at 28 weeks despite no medical need because she was worried about her unborn baby's safety. Doctors did not induce labor early, explaining it could harm the healthy baby, and McNicholas managed her anxiety and OCD throughout pregnancy with medical support.Key Facts
- McNicholas wanted to give birth at 28 weeks to check her baby was safe, even though the baby was healthy.
- Infants born at 28 weeks survive 80-90% of the time, with about 10% having long-term health problems.
- Doctors would not induce early labor without a medical reason.
- McNicholas’s OCD caused her to have strong fears and intrusive thoughts during pregnancy.
- She constantly checked for the baby's movements and went to the hospital for reassurance many times.
- Her mother had a stillborn baby, which increased McNicholas’s worries.
- OCD affects about 2.5 million adults in the U.S., mostly women, and often starts around age 19.
- McNicholas was diagnosed with OCD in 2019 after dangerous thoughts while driving and now takes antidepressants.
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