Current opinion in anesthesiology: post-traumatic stress disorder following birth

Traumatic childbirth can lead to childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) or retraumatize those with prior trauma, contributing to long-term maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This condition affects approximately 4-7% of postpartum patients. Given the concerningly high maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the USA, it is crucial to further analyze the risk factors and clinical management recommendations for the prevention of CB-PTSD.

Research highlights the negative outcomes and high costs associated with CB-PTSD. Studies have found that preexisting mental health conditions, patient perception of delivery, and certain obstetric and anesthetic complications may significantly impact CB-PTSD development.Additionally, screening tools are available, with some proven effective in this population.

Recent literature underscores the anesthesiologist's role in preventing and detecting CB-PTSD. Although there is a lack of standardized screening practices for CB-PTSD, awareness of this disorder is on the rise. By adopting a trauma-informed care model including anesthesia consultation, providing effective analgesia and anesthesia, maintaining a clinical practice that minimizes anesthetic complications, and identifying patients who perceive their experience as traumatic, anesthesiologists can help mitigate the prevalence of CB-PTSD, and thus its associated maternal morbidity and mortality.