You had an assisted birth with ventouse or forceps (Shaban et al 2013, BTA 2009).You had a long and painful labour (BTA 2009).Who does PTSD affect?You may be more likely to have PTSD if: You'll be supported through a programme of treatment (NHS 2015a). She can refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, who can confirm whether you have PTSD. If you recognise these symptoms, see your GP. You may even worry that you or your baby will die if you have another pregnancy (Raynor et al 2014). Fear of it happening again, with either similar or worse outcomes (BTA 2009).Sleep problems, angry mood swings, feelings of panic and difficulty concentrating (Raynor et al 2014).You may even avoid talking about the birth, because it's too painful for you (Raynor et al 2014, RCPSYCH 2013). You may be avoiding watching television programmes about birth or hospitals. This may stop you from attending your antenatal appointments next time around, and make you even more anxious as a result (BTA 2009). You may have flashbacks whenever you visit a hospital (RCPSYCH 2013). Avoiding triggers that remind you of what happened.You may also feel anxiety or panic and be unable to remember parts of the birth because you have blanked them from your memory (Raynor et al 2014, RCPSYCH 2013). This may take the form of flashbacks, images, dreams or nightmares (RCPSYCH 2013, Elmir et al 2010, BTA 2009). Intrusive memories that bring back the event (RCPSYCH 2013).If you continue to have the following symptoms, and they are making everyday life a struggle, you may have PTSD: However, symptoms of PTSD tend to persist for weeks or months after the birth. How will I know if I have PTSD?You may find that, although the first few weeks as a mum are difficult, the fears sparked by your birth experience begin to subside. It can happen to you following the birth of your baby or to someone who was present at your birth (RCPSYCH 2013).Įvents may have caused you and your partner to feel fearful or helpless, or even horrified by what happened (Shaban et al 2013). What is PTSD?PTSD happens when your behaviour changes significantly because of a traumatic event (RCPSYCH 2013, Alcorn et al 2010, BTA 2009). But if you have the feelings listed above for months after the birth, you may have a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) called postnatal PTSD (Shaban et al 2013, BTA 2009). Lack of interest in sex and relationship struggles are fairly normal for most new parents. postnatal depression (PND) (RCPSYCH 2013, BTA 2009).difficulty with bonding with your baby, and guilt as a result (BTA 2009).
lack of interest in sex and shunning physical contact.poor self-image and feeling inadequate (BTA 2009).fear of giving birth in the future (NICE 2011: 30, BTA 2009).revisiting images of labour and birth (Elmir et al 2010, BTA 2009).If, as the weeks and months go by, you recognise the following signs and symptoms, seek support from your GP or health visitor: It may be taking longer to come to terms with your birth experience than you, or those close to you, expected. The way you feel about and cope with what happened will be unique to you (Shaban et al 2013). What are the effects of a traumatic birth?The effects of a traumatic birth vary from woman to woman. These can all leave you with emotional scars after the birth (Ayres et al 2015,BTA 2009, Ford et al 2009, Ayres 2006). Perhaps you didn't feel that your midwife was listening to you, or that you lacked support from other hospital staff (Elmir et al 2010). Or you may have felt intense disappointment that the birth didn't go as you'd hoped (BTA 2009). You may have felt powerless, or unclear about exactly what happened during the birth (Elmir et al 2010, BTA 2009). These are distressing in themselves, but the emotional after-effects of a traumatic birth can last for some time.Ī difficult birth is not always linked to a traumatic birth event. This may have left you with physical problems, such as an infection, piles or incontinence (RCOG 2011). You may have had a complication, such as a severe tear, or needed to have an assisted birth (Shaban et al 2013, BTA 2009). What is a traumatic birth?If you suffered distress when you gave birth it's called a traumatic, or difficult, birth. What if I can't get the answers I need about my birth experience?.How can I recover from a traumatic birth?.What are the effects of a traumatic birth?.
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