I have experienced scary or distressing thoughts since my child arrived—is this normal?

Intrusive thoughts (such as vivid flashes of accidental harm coming to your baby) occur in up to 90% of new parents due to extreme hyper-vigilance and sleep exhaustion. They are accidental brain safety 'glitches' trying to prevent danger. However, if these thoughts become frequent, bring a sense of pleasure, or trigger an active urge to execute them, seek immediate clinical psychological guidance.