Factors Associated with Birth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and the Subsequent Impact of Traumatic

Lucy J Frankham1, Einar B Thorsteinsson1, Warren Bartik1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia.

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with birth-related PTSD symptoms and the subsequent impact on mother-infant relationship quality, exploring what women felt they needed to be different about their birth process to further understand the problem. Participants were recruited using social media advertising. A multi-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative analyses, was employed. The study included 142 pregnant women residing in Australia aged between 19 and 42 years (M = 31.24; SD = 4.70). High extraversion significantly predicted greater birth-related PTSD symptoms. There was a significant relationship between birth-related PTSD symptoms and poorer mother-infant relationship quality. The content analysis of the responses from women who reported a desire for a different or improved birth experience generated four themes: (1) less intrusive intervention, (2) better communication, (3) access to more supportive intervention, and (4) better post-birth care. The findings highlight the importance of supporting women's choices during birth by promoting informed and respectful woman-centred care. Postnatally, the screening and assessment of women should go beyond mood screening and include an assessment of the woman's response to her birth experience.

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