Psychiatric symptoms following attempted natural childbirth

As natural childbirth has become more popular, new prenatal training groups have developed, some of which are committed to only one method of dealing with labour and delivery. This paper describes five women and four men who sought psychiatric treatment within 6 months of attempted natural childbirth that did not proceed as planned. Their symptoms included depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, phobic symptoms, and marital and sexual problems. Thus, natural childbirth, although undoubtedly beneficial in most instances, is not suitable for all deliveries and may occasionally have adverse effects. Prenatal programs should emphasize an individual, flexible approach to labour and delivery and should present the possibility of the need for analgesia, anesthesia or obstetric intervention in a positive light.