Pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth and PTSD
The loss of a baby is a painful experience. Childbirth or even pregnancy itself can be traumatic. Pregnancy, miscarriage, and childbirth can result in PTSD for some women. Find out more about symptoms, prevalence, and treatment available.
What is PTSD?
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can include persistent symptoms related to a traumatic event. This can include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks and nightmares, and avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event. It can also involve high levels of anxiety, hyperarousal, insomnia, feeling numb, startling easily, irritability, panic attacks, dissociation, emotional fluctuation, or outbursts of anger. Additionally, for some women, seeing photos of babies or families on social media can trigger PTSD symptoms as well.
Prevalence of PTSD in Women
One in ten women will experience PTSD in their lifetime. A third of those PTSD episodes are chronic and last longer than five years. For women who have PTSD due to childhood abuse, becoming pregnant and preparing for a new baby can increase anxiety and result in complex emotional reactions. For women who have PTSD due to sexual abuse, prenatal care, or physical changes resulting from pregnancy can trigger an increase in PTSD symptoms as well. In addition, events that may be traumatic to some women are not experienced as traumatic by others. What seems like a normal labor and delivery for most could be traumatic for some women. An estimated 3-17% of new mothers suffer from postpartum PTSD and more exhibit some symptoms of PTSD.
Miscarriage
Pregnancy loss is potentially traumatic. Around 20% of women experience PTSD for at least nine months after the loss. Early pregnancy loss affects up to 25% of pregnancies, though women respond to this loss differently. Women do not always receive specific medical or psychological follow up after an early pregnancy loss. There can be short-term and long-term consequences to miscarriage, and support is needed for both. Additionally, added stress and anxiety following a miscarriage may decrease a woman’s ability to conceive again. Ectopic pregnancy, late-stage miscarriage, and stillbirth increase the chance of PTSD as well.
It’s a common practice in society to not announce a pregnancy until after 12 weeks. However, this results in many miscarriages not being known about within communities and not being discussed. This private loss can result in profound psychological effects like feelings of isolation, with little social support to help parents grieve. Therapy can provide a space to express this grief if needed.
Pregnancy
PTSD is somewhat common in pregnancy; around 5% of women experience PTSD during pregnancy. For women who have had miscarriages, getting pregnant again can increase anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD. For those that have existing PTSD before they became pregnant, one study suggested that pregnancy may reduce PTSD symptoms for many women. However, one in four may experience an increase in existing PTSD symptoms when they become pregnant, including an increase in cortisol levels. This can affect the mother’s ability to bond with their new baby. It can increase the risk for depression as well.
Childbirth
About 9% of women experience PTSD after childbirth. Trauma or perceived traumas from childbirth can include an unplanned C-section, a prolapsed cord, or the use of vacuum extractor or forceps during delivery. It can also include feelings of powerlessness or lack of support during delivery, severe complications or injuries resulting from childbirth, or the baby going to the NICU. Research shows continuous evaluation for postpartum PTSD is needed, as the prevalence of PTSD actually increases after delivery.
Treatment
For women with PTSD related to pregnancy, miscarriage, and childbirth, treatment is available. This involves mental health services, social supports, and clinical care.
Psychotherapy and medication are the most common first treatments. In therapy, women work to establish a sense of safety and increase coping skills for current symptoms. EMDR is may also be helpful for PTSD. Also, stronger social support networks seem to reduce the risk of worsening symptoms of PTSD. Partners, friends, and family can provide support in times of need and reassure the woman she is not to blame for what happened. Art therapy has also been helpful for many women experiencing PTSD.
Looking for more support with stress related to pregnancy loss or childbirth? Please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you!
If you feel you are experiencing psychological distress or PTSD symptoms, ask your doctor or OB-GYN for a mental health screening as soon as possible. It’s essential to take care of your mental health needs.
HelpLine at Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773
