Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychological disorder that can develop in women who have recentlygiven birth.[1] This disorder can also affect men or partners who have observed a difficult birth.[2] Its symptoms are not distinct frompost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[3][4] It may also be calledpost-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth (PTSD-FC).[5]
Examples of symptoms of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder includeintrusive symptoms such asflashbacks andnightmares, as well as symptoms ofavoidance (includingamnesia for the whole or parts of the event), uncomfortable sexual intimacy, discomfort being touched, abstinence, fear ofpregnancy, and avoidance of birth- and pregnancy-related issues. Symptoms of increasing stress can besweating,trembling, being irritated, and sleep disturbances.[6]
Other examples of symptoms of paternal childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder include anxiety, or intense fear of losing either the child or their partner who is giving birth to it. This can lead to difficulties in the father-child connection.[2]
Birth can be traumatic in different ways. Medical problems can result in interventions that can be frightening. The near death of a mother or baby, heavy bleeding, and emergency operations are examples of situations that can cause psychological trauma.Premature birth may be traumatic.[7]Emotional difficulties in coping with the pain of childbirth can also cause psychological trauma. Lack of support, or insufficient coping strategies to deal with the pain are examples of situations that can cause psychological trauma. However, even normal birth can be traumatic, and thus PTSD is diagnosed based on symptoms of the mother and not whether or not there were complications.[8]Additionally, in the process of birth, medical professionals who are there to aid the birthing mother may need to examine and perform procedures in the genital regions.[8]
The following are correlated with PTSD:
Medical complications before, during, or after childbirth:
In order to treat postpartum PTSD, it is essential to normalize the feelings that arise and alleviate anxiety. In some cases, medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs might be prescribed to manage symptoms. Seeking emotional support from support systems is crucial. Mental health professionals can conduct comprehensive assessments and provide evidence-based therapies tailored to individual needs. These therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing(EMDR), Prolonged Exposure Therapy(PE), and Narrative Exposure Therapy(NET). These trauma-focused therapies can assist in reshaping thought patterns, processing memories, and reducing anxiety and avoidance behaviors.[16]
Prevalence of PTSD following normal childbirth in women (excluding stillbirth or major complications) is estimated to be between 2.8% and 5.6% at six weeks postpartum,[6] with rates dropping to 1.5% at six months postpartum.[6][15] Symptoms of PTSD are common following childbirth, with prevalence of 24–30.1%[6] at six weeks, dropping to 13.6% at six months.[17]
^Lapp LK, Agbokou C, Peretti CS, Ferreri F (September 2010). "Management of post traumatic stress disorder after childbirth: a review".Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.31 (3):113–122.doi:10.3109/0167482X.2010.503330.PMID20653342.S2CID23594561.
^abGoutaudier N, Lopez A, Séjourné N, Denis A, Chabrol H (September 2011). "Premature birth: subjective and psychological experiences in the first weeks following childbirth, a mixed-methods study".Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology.29 (4):364–373.doi:10.1080/02646838.2011.623227.S2CID71379594.
^abcdefBeck CT, Gable RK, Sakala C, Declercq ER (September 2011). "Posttraumatic stress disorder in new mothers: results from a two-stage U.S. national survey".Birth.38 (3):216–227.doi:10.1111/j.1523-536X.2011.00475.x.PMID21884230.
^abcSöderquist J, Wijma K, Wijma B (March 2002). "Traumatic stress after childbirth: the role of obstetric variables".Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.23 (1):31–39.doi:10.3109/01674820209093413.PMID12061035.S2CID7762819.
^abCreedy DK, Shochet IM, Horsfall J (June 2000). "Childbirth and the development of acute trauma symptoms: incidence and contributing factors".Birth.27 (2):104–111.doi:10.1046/j.1523-536x.2000.00104.x.PMID11251488.
^abAlder J, Stadlmayr W, Tschudin S, Bitzer J (June 2006). "Post-traumatic symptoms after childbirth: what should we offer?".Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.27 (2):107–112.doi:10.1080/01674820600714632.PMID16808085.S2CID21859634.
^Montmasson H, Bertrand P, Perrotin F, El-Hage W (October 2012). "[Predictors of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder in primiparous mothers]".Journal de Gynécologie, Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction.41 (6):553–560.doi:10.1016/j.jgyn.2012.04.010.PMID22622194.S2CID196363612.
Elmir R, Schmied V, Wilkes L, Jackson D (October 2010). "Women's perceptions and experiences of a traumatic birth: a meta-ethnography".Journal of Advanced Nursing.66 (10):2142–2153.doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05391.x.PMID20636467.
Lev-Wiesel R, Daphna-Tekoah S (2010). "The role of peripartum dissociation as a predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms following childbirth in Israeli Jewish women".Journal of Trauma & Dissociation.11 (3):266–283.doi:10.1080/15299731003780887.PMID20603762.S2CID32719455.
Vythilingum B (February 2010). "Should childbirth be considered a stressor sufficient to meet the criteria for PTSD?".Archives of Women's Mental Health.13 (1):49–50.doi:10.1007/s00737-009-0118-x.PMID20127456.S2CID11322225.
