Sense of coherence and symptoms of post-traumatic stress after emergency caesarean section

In this study of women who had undergone an emergency caesarean section (EmCS), the aim was to examine the associations between, on the one hand, the new mother's sense of coherence (SOC) and obstetric and demographic variables a few days postpartum, and on the other hand, post-traumatic stress symptoms 3 months' postpartum.

In a prospective study, 122 Swedish- or English-speaking new mothers completed 2 self-assessment questionnaires, at 2 days and 3 months after an EmCS. To measure SOC, we used the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), and to measure reactions to traumatic events, the Impact of Event Scale (IES-15).

Independent risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms were: imminent fetal asphyxia as an indication for the operation, and low SOC in the woman. The group of women with low SOC were those with an intense fear of childbirth during pregnancy, immigrants, and socially underprivileged women.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress following EmCS are associated both with the new mother's personal coping style and with the circumstances of the event. We recommend that women who belong to groups who more often report a low SOC or who had imminent asphyxia as an indication for the operation should be offered support and follow-up.