Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder caused by real and/or perceived trauma during childbirth. Also called Birth Trauma, Postpartum PTSD affects over 10% of postpartum women, and also OBs and L&D Nurses. Postpartum PTSD is the same illness with the same symptoms as PTSD in War Veterans. The psychology and physical symptoms of PTSD do not discriminate.

Birth Trauma can result from any unexpected event, such as:

• Feeling loss of control and powerless
• Inadequate communication during delivery, with the partner, OB, nurse, or anyone involved
• Insufficient support
• Fetal or infant complications
• Unplanned C-Sections
• Need for NICU
• Deviation from a birth plan

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

• Sense of detachment
• Increased arousal or being easily startled
• Insomnia
• Hypervigilance
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• Flashbacks and/or nightmares
• Avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, such as people, places, mental images and details of the birth

MORE RISK FACTORS:

• Any previous trauma(s)
• Previous sexual trauma, abuse and/or rape
• Adverse childhood events
• Prior Infertility
• Loss and/or termination
• Hemorrhage
• Preeclampsia
• Unexpected hysterectomy or surgeries
• Perineal trauma
• Cardiac complications

It is critical OBs and families establish not just the “Plan A” birth plan, but also determine a “Plan B” which open communication and understanding about how adequately support a woman. A simple plan alone has the power to prevent Birth Trauma.