Birth Trauma and Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What are birth trauma and Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

The term “birth trauma” is a general term used to describe psychological symptoms that arise after a frightening birth experience. These symptoms can include nightmares, intense anxiety, guilt, and intrusive images of the birth that occur without the person’s control.

In some cases, the psychological trauma caused by a birth experience is so intense that it develops into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As the disorder manifests after childbirth, it is referred to as Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

It is important to note that an individual can experience birth trauma without necessarily developing Postpartum PTSD.

Who can experience birth trauma or PTSD?
Birth trauma and/or Postpartum PTSD can affect not only the person giving birth but also their partner or even the medical staff involved in the birth.

Examples of experiences that may trigger birth trauma or Postpartum PTSD include:

• A long and painful labor
• An unplanned or unwanted C-section
• Premature birth
• Unexplained, unapproved, or unnecessary medical interventions
• Newborn admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or prolonged hospitalization
• Any health issues affecting the newborn
• Complications during childbirth
• Any unexpected or frightening event during the birth process

Many parents may experience psychological trauma because the birth did not go as they had envisioned. Some may feel frustration or anger toward the medical staff’s interventions, while others may have experienced overwhelming fear or a sense of threat. Some individuals may have needed more guidance and support throughout the process, while others may have felt a loss of control during the birth.

While the events listed above are examples of situations that can trigger psychological trauma, what is considered traumatic is entirely subjective and depends on the individual’s perception.

Your rights during childbirth

Individuals with tokophobia must receive proper medical and obstetric guidance, including information about the whole process of childbirth and their rights during pregnancy and delivery.

• • • Human Rights in Childbirth (HRiC) – A global organization advocating for the human rights of birthing people.
      Website: https://humanrightsinchildbirth.org
    • International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) – FIGO advocates for maternal health, women’s rights, and improving the quality of care during childbirth. Website: https://www.figo.org

Greece: In the case of hospital birth, you can learn about your legal rights by reviewing Article 47 of the following document N. 2071/92, F.E.K. 123, Article 47. 

 

Symptoms of Postpartum PTSD
Symptoms of Postpartum PTSD can vary, but they often include:

Re-experiencing the traumatic birth:

• Flashbacks where the individual re-lives the traumatic event
• Unwanted thoughts or images of the traumatic event
• Nightmares related to the traumatic experience
• Discomfort when exposed to stimuli that remind the person of the traumatic event (e.g., discussions about childbirth, specific images or objects used during delivery)

Nervousness and a constant sense of anxiety:

• Persistent “hyper-alertness” to potential dangers
• Outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Easily startled responses
• Sleep disturbances unrelated to the baby’s schedule

Difficult thoughts and emotions:

• Dysfunctional beliefs (e.g., “Every birth involves a risk.”)
• Self-blame (“I am to blame for what happened.”)
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• A sense of isolation
• Emotional numbness (feeling detached or “empty”)

Avoidance:

• Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event (e.g., people, situations, objects related to the birth)
• Withdrawal from activities or social interactions
• Emotional “numbing” (feeling disconnected or detached)
• Using substances to cope with memories of the birth

 

Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (trauma-focused) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy have both been scientifically validated and shown to be effective methods for treating PTSD.

In therapy, we will explore the trauma and its impact on your daily life. Based on evidence-based therapeutic methods, we will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific challenges while meeting your overall needs. For further details about my therapeutic approach, please refer to the relevant section.

In some cases, the treatment of PTSD may involve psychotherapy in combination with psychiatric monitoring-medication.

Additionally, we often seek collaboration with your obstetrician to ensure that your physical needs are considered during the therapy, providing optimal and holistic support.

Resources on Postpartum PTSD
For further information and support, please refer to the following resource:

• Birth Trauma Association

Video on Postpartum PTSD: