The experience of post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health problem, which women can develop following childbirth. Partners and staff are also at risk and a larger group of women develop sub-clinical trauma symptoms. PTSD can have an impact on future childbearing, the wider family, intimate sexual relationships and bonding. The relationship between mothers and maternity staff is crucial. Health visitors can help by: supporting realistic expectations of delivery antenatally; early identification of high-risk mothers via rigorous histories; facilitating communication and the father's role in the birth; early identification, screening and referral to specialist perinatal mental health professionals; supporting care pathways; supporting the parent–infant relationship; and facilitating access to social support.