Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and severe maternal morbidity: is there an association?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the occurrence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among women experiencing a severe maternal morbidity event and associated factors in comparison with those without maternal morbidity.METHODS:In a retrospective cohort study, 803 women with or without severe maternal morbidity were evaluated at 6 months to 5 years postpartum for the presence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Interviews were conducted by telephone and electronic data was stored. Data analysis was carried out by using χ2, Fisher’s Exact test, and logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:There was no significant change in the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder related to a previous severe maternal morbidity experience. There were also no differences in diagnostic criteria for severe maternal morbidity (hypertensive syndromes, hemorrhage, surgical intervention or intensive care unit admission required, among other management criteria). Low parity (2.5-fold risk) and increasing age were factors associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.CONCLUSIONS:A severe maternal morbidity episode is not associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms within five years of the severe maternal morbidity event and birth. However, a more advanced maternal age and primiparity increased the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This does not imply that women who had experienced a severe maternal morbidity event did not suffer or need differentiated care.

Mental Health and Quality of Life of Women One Year after Maternal Near-Miss in Low and Middle-Income Countries: The Case of Zanzibar, Tanzania

“…On the contrary, similar studies in Malaysia [10] and England [5] found no significant difference regarding the risk of depression among women with and without MNM. Similarly, there is contradicting evidence regarding the association between hospital admission due to pregnancy complications and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [5,6,11]. This study aims to investigate mental health (depression and PTSD) and QoL of these women over time.…”

“…The impact is usually multidimensional, affecting physical functioning, mental health, and socio-economical aspects [3,4]. So far, some studies researched long-term mental health consequences in women with MNM, such as depression and quality of life (QoL), but results are inconclusive [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. For instance, most studies (e.g., conducted in Morocco [7], Benin [8], and Burkina Faso [9]) found that women with MNM had an increased risk of developing depression in the post-partum year, especially if they had lost their baby.…”

Lessons from the Field Beyond the Numbers: Narratives of Professionals on Women who Experienced Severe Maternal Morbidity

“…However, the quantitative results of the current study, although showing negative impacts on maternal functioning, sexual health and quality of life, [29][30][31] were not able to identify an important impact on the occurrence of PTSD among women experiencing SMM at least up to 5 years after the event. 32 3-The woman in a vulnerable state and the challenges of daily practice in health care facilities:…”

Postpartum psychoactive substance abuse after severe maternal morbidity

“…In women who experience a severe pregnancy‐related complication, psychological morbidity may be even more prevalent and its impact may be profound. Mental disorders including depression, anxiety, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can emerge and remain long after childbirth, and this can potentially lead women to use drugs in the postpartum period …”

“…Mental disorders including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can emerge and remain long after childbirth, and this can potentially lead women to use drugs in the postpartum period. 3,9,10 Qualitative studies of women who suffered a maternal near miss (organ failure but survival of a severe clinical event) show that they felt helpless and afraid of a potentially life-threatening event. 1 This can lead to negative feelings that may disappear over time, but may also persist for some women.…”