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Posttraumatic stress following childbirth: a review
Eelco Olde1, Onno van der Hart, Rolf Kleber
1Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.olde@chello.nl
Clinical Psychology Review
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Traumatic childbirth can lead to posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTSD in mothers. Risk factors include psychological history, anxiety, and difficult delivery experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics
- Psychology
Background:
- Childbirth can be a traumatic event leading to psychological distress.
- Posttraumatic stress symptoms and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are recognized conditions that can arise from such experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the prevalence and risk factors of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTSD.
- To consolidate empirical evidence regarding the impact of traumatic delivery experiences on maternal mental health.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and PSYCHLIT databases.
- Keywords included "posttraumatic stress", "PTSD", "childbirth", and "traumatic delivery".
- 31 articles meeting inclusion criteria, specifically reporting childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms or PTSD, were selected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Studies consistently show that traumatic deliveries can cause posttraumatic stress symptoms.
- Identified risk factors include pre-existing psychological issues, anxiety, invasive obstetric procedures, poor staff-mother interactions, loss of control, and lack of partner support.
- Both case studies and quantitative research confirm childbirth's potential to trigger PTSD.
Conclusions:
- Childbirth-related trauma and subsequent PTSD represent a significant public health concern.
- Childbirth provides a unique opportunity for prospective research into the development of posttraumatic stress reactions.