Exploring traumatic childbirth: Associations between obstetric violence indicators and perinatal posttraumatic stress

The childbirth experience can be traumatic for women, with negative repercussions on their mental health, mother-child bonding, and subsequent infant development. The aim of this study is to analyze the negative birth experience, through indicators of obstetric violence (OV), as a risk factor for the development of Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress (P-PTS) in early postpartum. Additionally, we seek to explore the buffering impact of other variables on the development of P-PTS symptomatology.

A total of 236 postpartum women were surveyed online, between the fourth and sixth week postpartum, assessing thirteen indicators of OV using the Questionnaire on Birth Conditions. We also utilized the Post-traumatic Stress Symptom Checklist and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, alongside collecting sociodemographic, pregnancy and delivery conditions. Mean differences, correlations, and regression analyses were performed.

Women exposed to OV have a higher risk of developing P-PTS symptoms. Increased risk was noted in those exposed to staff's ironic comments, undergoing medical procedures without prior information, or those who were made to feel guilty for childbirth outcomes. Moreover, early postpartum skin-to-skin contact and perceived social support from friends and family served as protective factors against P-PTSS development.

Postpartum traumatization may not solely stem from threats to physical integrity or survival but also from experiences of inferiority, inadequacy, loss of dignity, or dehumanizing treatment. These findings underline the necessity for healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care during childbirth, to maximize immediate skin-to-skin contact, and been aware and actively seeking social support for women.