Shining the Light on Postpartum PTSD
July 16-22 is National Birth Trauma Awareness Week, a time to reflect on what can be done to promote safer births and better healing for those affected by birth trauma. This year’s theme is Postpartum PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), an anxiety disorder caused by birth trauma. Postpartum PTSD affects nearly 10% of women following childbirth but is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Most people have heard of postpartum depression but may not be familiar with postpartum PTSD. In the interest of spreading awareness, Pegalis Law Group, LLC sheds light on this issue that touches the lives of many.
What Causes Postpartum PTSD? How Common Is It?
Postpartum PTSD is usually caused by actual or perceived trauma during delivery or postpartum. Having a difficult labor with a long or painful delivery or needing an unexpected emergency treatment during delivery are the most common causes of postpartum PTSD. One out of every 10 women will experience postpartum PTSD within their lifetimes. Women who are also victims of rape or sexual abuse are at a higher risk of experiencing birth trauma and/or postpartum PTSD. Other risk factors may include a history of mental health challenges, infertility, abortion, or social isolation. Postpartum PTSD isn’t always linked to a life-threatening childbirth. However, many women develop postpartum PTSD after severe complications or injuries during pregnancy or childbirth, which may include:
- Unplanned C-section
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Perineal trauma (third- or fourth-degree vaginal tearing)
- Unexpected hysterectomy
- Prolapsed umbilical cord
- Forceps needed to deliver the baby
- Premature birth or baby requiring a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum PTSD?
While having a baby is typically thought of as a joyful milestone, birth trauma can mar the experience. Giving birth to a baby with health complications can be challenging for many new parents. However, you are not alone. Postpartum PTSD is a temporary anxiety disorder that healthcare professionals can treat. Postpartum PTSD symptoms vary by individual, but they may include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares associated with the birth trauma
- Intrusive thoughts or feelings
- Irritability or aggressive behavior
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Heightened anxiety and frequent panic attacks
- Overwhelming anger, sadness, guilt, or shame
- Feeling emotionally or physically numb or detached
How Is Postpartum PTSD Diagnosed and Treated?
Your OB-GYN doctor will usually assess your physical and mental health during a postpartum checkup. If you show any signs of postpartum PTSD, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a formal diagnosis and treatment. Trauma-focused psychological therapies may be suggested, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help reduce the intensity of intrusive memories, thoughts, or feelings from the birth trauma. Medications may be prescribed to reduce anxiety or depression symptoms. Postpartum PTSD can last several months but could become chronic or manifest during future pregnancies if left untreated.
Increasing Birth Trauma Awareness for 50+ Years
Pegalis Law Group, LLC is a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 50+ years of experience representing clients who have experienced birth trauma. We’re dedicated to increasing awareness about various healthcare-related topics, including postpartum PTSD. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insights.
