1
|
Frankham LJ, Thorsteinsson EB, Bartik W. Childbirth self-efficacy and birth related PTSD symptoms: an online childbirth education randomised controlled trial for mothers. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:668. [PMID: 39395949 PMCID: PMC11471035 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06873-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated an online childbirth education course on childbirth self-efficacy and, subsequent birth related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and mother-infant relationship quality. METHOD Three group (intervention, passive control, active control) parallel randomised controlled trial. Groups were assigned using computer generated random allocation. For the passive control group participants were instructed to carry on with whatever they were currently undertaking with their pregnancy, while the active control group were asked to read a booklet comprised of twelve birth stories. The purpose of the active control was to check if the act of having an activity to complete would influence outcomes. For the online course group (intervention) participants were asked to complete the online version of a birthing course designed by She Births®. One hundred and twenty-five women residing in Australia between 12 and 24 weeks pregnant were recruited online. Participants were asked to complete their required activity between 24 and 36 weeks pregnant. Childbirth self-efficacy scores were tested pre and post intervention (time one and time 2), PTSD symptoms and mother-infant relationship quality were tested at six weeks and six months postnatal. RESULTS There was no significant interaction by group for childbirth self-efficacy scores. Mean difference scores at time one (pre-intervention) and time two (post-intervention) for each group indicated a trend in the online group towards higher childbirth self-efficacy compared with the two control groups. The main effect of group on birth related PTSD scores was not statically significant at six weeks postnatal or at six months postnatal. The main effect of group on mother-infant relationship scores was not statically significant at six weeks postnatal or six months postnatal. CONCLUSIONS Trends showed childbirth self-efficacy scores to be higher in the intervention group compared with the two control groups, demonstrating effectiveness for the intervention. Paradoxically, PTSD scores were higher in the intervention group compared with the two control groups and therefore also reported poorer mother-infant relationship quality. External factors may be more important than childbirth self-efficacy highlighting the need for a holistic approach that addresses systemic and socio-political influences to improve communication, autonomy, and respectful maternity care. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12624000241538 on March 11, 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Frankham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Einar B Thorsteinsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Warren Bartik
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ormsby SM, Keedle H, Dahlen HG. Women's reflections on induction of labour and birthing interventions and what they would do differently next time: A content analysis. Midwifery 2024; 140:104201. [PMID: 39395313 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction of labour (IOL) and birth intervention is increasingly conducted in Australia, and rates of maternal dissatisfaction and birth trauma are also on the rise. METHODS The Birth Experience Study (BESt) national survey was conducted to explore women's experiences of birthing in Australia. This content analysis categorises components pertaining to IOL, and women's responses to the open-ended question: "Would you do anything different if you were to have another baby?" FINDINGS In total, 591 responses on IOL resulted in 819 coded comments being coded into multiple categories/subcategories. In the first main category 'increasing the chance of a spontaneous labour next time by resisting IOL' (93.3 %), three subcategories were identified: 'I would resist the pressure or refuse, especially if not a good indication' (54.8 %, 419); 'I will await spontaneous onset or delay the IOL until later' (25.0 %, 191); and 'I will be better informed next time' (20.2 %, 154). In the second main category 'accepting IOL was necessary or desirable' (6.7 %), two subcategories were identified: 'my IOL was justified or desired' (38.2 %, 21) and 'my IOL was justified or desired, but if there is a next time, I'd want more say in what happens' (61.8 %, 34). CONCLUSION Overwhelmingly women expressed a desire to avoid IOL, along with the intention to: resist pressure, allow more time for spontaneous labour onset, and arm themselves with more knowledge to advocate against non-medically indicated justifications. Amongst the minority accepting of their previous IOLs, the majority stated wanting more say regarding when and how IOL was conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone M Ormsby
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2751 NSW Australia
| | - Hazel Keedle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2751 NSW Australia
| | - Hannah G Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith 2751 NSW Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Russell-Webster T, Davies A, Toolan M, Lynch M, Plachcinski R, Larkin M, Fraser A, Barnfield S, Smith M, Burden C, Merriel A. Cross Sectional Survey of Antenatal Educators' Views About Current Antenatal Education Provision. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1520-1529. [PMID: 38816601 PMCID: PMC11358166 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antenatal education (ANE) is part of National Health Service (NHS) care and is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to increase birth preparedness and help pregnant women/birthing people develop coping strategies for labour and birth. We aimed to understand antenatal educator views about how current ANE supports preparedness for childbirth, including coping strategy development with the aim of identifying targets for improvement. METHODS A United Kingdom wide, cross-sectional online survey was conducted between October 2019 and May 2020. Antenatal educators including NHS midwives and private providers were purposively sampled. Counts and percentages were calculated for closed responses and thematic analysis used for open text responses. RESULTS Ninety-nine participants responded, 62% of these did not believe that ANE prepared women for labour and birth. They identified practical barriers to accessing ANE, particularly for marginalised groups, including financial and language barriers. Educators believe class content is medically focused, and teaching is of variable quality with some midwives being ill-prepared to deliver antenatal education. 55% of antenatal educators believe the opportunity to develop coping strategies varies between location and educators and only those women who can pay for non-NHS classes are able to access all the coping strategies that can support them with labour and birth. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Antenatal educators believe current NHS ANE does not adequately prepare women for labour and birth, leading to disparities in birth preparedness for those who cannot access non-NHS classes. To reduce this healthcare inequality, NHS classes need to be standardised, with training for midwives in delivering ANE enhanced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamarind Russell-Webster
- Academic Women's Health Unit, Bristol Medical School, Second Floor, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury-on-Trym, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Anna Davies
- Centre for Academic Child Health, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 1NU, UK
- Academic Women's Health Unit, Level 2, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Mary Lynch
- North Bristol NHS trust, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | | | - Michael Larkin
- Department of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Sonia Barnfield
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Margaret Smith
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Christy Burden
- Academic Women's Health Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Level 2, Learning and Research Building, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Abi Merriel
- North Bristol NHS trust, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK.
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Findlay HJ, Anderson JK, Francis KL, Clegg LM, Maria SJ. The significance of paramedic communication during women's birth experiences: A scoping review. Australas Emerg Care 2024; 27:218-226. [PMID: 38734501 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, over one-third of women experience birth trauma, leading to adverse mental health outcomes. Poor communication with healthcare professionals is a primary contributing factor. Paramedics attend various clinical presentations, including childbirth, yet their potential impact on women's birth experiences has been largely overlooked. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework. The search identified 1015 potentially suitable articles, and 5 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis from a feminist standpoint. RESULTS Three themes were generated: 1. First Impressions Count: paramedic demeanour impacted the woman's sense of safety and perception of paramedic clinical competence. 2. Choice as a Pathway to Control: when paramedics involved women in decision-making, it led to empowerment, while non-involvement led to women becoming passive participants. 3. Exposed, Violated and Disempowered: some paramedics disrespected and abused women, treating them solely as objects for the purpose of producing a baby. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the influence of paramedic communication on women's birth experiences. While some paramedics communicated respectfully, other paramedics were the perpetrators of Obstetric Violence. Future research should inform paramedic education and improve outcomes for birthing women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haley J Findlay
- Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue Bathurst, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia.
| | - Judith K Anderson
- Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue Bathurst, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| | - Karen L Francis
- Charles Sturt University, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2627, Australia
| | - Lisa M Clegg
- Charles Sturt University, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, 7 Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444, Australia
| | - Sonja J Maria
- Charles Sturt University, Panorama Avenue Bathurst, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miller ML, Dupree J, Monette MA, Lau EK, Peipert A. Health Equity and Perinatal Mental Health. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:460-469. [PMID: 39008146 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pregnancy and the postpartum period are vulnerable times to experience psychiatric symptoms. Our goal was to describe existing inequities in perinatal mental health, especially across populations, geography, and in the role of childbirth. RECENT FINDINGS People of color are at an increased risk for perinatal mental health difficulties and more likely to experience neglect, poor communication, and racial discrimination. LGBTQ + individuals encounter unique challenges, implicating the role of heteronormativity, cisnormativity, and gender dysphoria through pregnancy-related processes. Rural-dwelling women are significantly less likely to seek care, be screened for, or receive treatment for perinatal mental health conditions. Trauma-informed, comprehensive mental health support must be provided to all patients during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, especially for racially and ethnically minoritized individuals that have often been omitted from care. Future research needs to prioritize inclusion of perinatal populations not well represented in the literature, including rural-dwelling individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Miller
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Goodman Hall / IU Health Neuroscience Center, Suite 2800 355 W. 16 St. Indianapolis, IN, 46202, Indiana, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Miller ML, Laifer LM, Thomas EBK, Grekin R, O'Hara MW, Brock RL. From pregnancy to the postpartum: Unraveling the complexities of symptom profiles among trauma-exposed women. J Affect Disord 2024; 357:11-22. [PMID: 38663559 PMCID: PMC11149003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women experience new onset or worsening of existing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. However, perinatal PTSD symptom profiles and their predictors are not well understood. METHODS Participants (N = 614 community adults) completed self-report measures across three methodologically similar longitudinal studies. Mixture modeling was used to identify latent subgroups of trauma-exposed women with distinct patterns of symptoms at pregnancy, 1-month, and 3-month postpartum. RESULTS Mixture modeling demonstrated two classes of women with relatively homogenous profiles (i.e., low vs. high symptoms) during pregnancy (n = 237). At 1-month postpartum (n = 391), results suggested a five-class solution: low symptoms, PTSD only, depression with primary appetite loss, depression, and comorbid PTSD and depression. At 3-months postpartum (n = 488), three classes were identified: low symptoms, elevated symptoms, and primary PTSD. Greater degree of exposure to interpersonal trauma and reproductive trauma, younger age, and minoritized racial/ethnic identity were associated with increased risk for elevated symptoms across the perinatal period. LIMITATIONS Only a subset of potential predictors of PTSD symptoms were examined. Replication with a larger and more racially and ethnically diverse sample of pregnant women is needed. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight limitations of current perinatal mental health screening practices, which could overlook women with elevations in symptoms (e.g., intrusions) that are not routinely assessed relative to others (e.g., depressed mood), and identify important risk factors for perinatal PTSD symptoms to inform screening and referral.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Miller
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Goodman Hall/IU Health Neuroscience Center, Suite 2800, 355 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America; University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America.
| | - Lauren M Laifer
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Emily B K Thomas
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Grekin
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Michael W O'Hara
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L Brock
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Collins EC, Burns ES, Dahlen HG. 'It was horrible to watch, horrible to be a part of': Midwives' perspectives of obstetric violence. Women Birth 2024; 37:101631. [PMID: 38861852 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetric violence, including unconsented interventions, coercion and disrespect, violates human rights; impacting the physical and psychosocial health of women. The perspective and experience of midwives related to obstetric violence have been explored in low and middle-income countries, with limited research into the experience of midwives in high income nations. AIM To explore Australian midwives' perspectives of obstetric violence. METHODS Thematic analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 midwives experienced in supporting women during birth. Critical feminist theory underpinned each stage of the research. FINDINGS Interviews with 15 Australian midwives from diverse care settings were analysed thematically. Four key themes were developed from the data: 'the operationalisation of obstetric violence', 'the impact of obstetric violence' 'the historical and situational context' and 'hope for the future'. Midwives considered entrenched patriarchal structures and gender inequity as fundamental to the occurrence of obstetric violence. This societal scaffold is intensified within health care systems where power imbalances facilitate maternal mistreatment through coercion and grooming women for compliance in the antenatal period. Fragmented care models expose women to mistreatment with continuity models being protective only to a point. Midwives experience their own trauma, as a result of what they have witnessed, and due to the lack of support they receive when advocating for women. CONCLUSIONS Obstetric violence occurs in Australian maternity systems with unconsented interventions, overmedicalisation, coercion, and disrespect observed by midwives. Care-related trauma impacts on the mental health of midwives, raising workforce concerns for policy makers, consumer advocates and professional bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Collins
- Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2715, Australia.
| | - Elaine S Burns
- Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2715, Australia
| | - Hannah G Dahlen
- Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2715, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
El-Salahi S, Knowles Bevis R, Hogg L. The relationship between traumatic childbirth and first-time mothers' social identity and wellbeing: a cross-sectional observational study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:437. [PMID: 38907211 PMCID: PMC11193172 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06288-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiencing childbirth as traumatic is common and can have long-lasting negative consequences for women's mental health. However, fostering a sense of social identity has been shown to protect psychological wellbeing and mental health during life transitions, such as entering parenthood. This study therefore investigated the relationship between traumatic childbirth and first-time mothers' social identity and their psychological wellbeing, and more specifically whether strength of identity as a first-time mother protected psychological wellbeing following traumatic childbirth. METHOD Women over the age of 18 who were living in the UK and had given birth to their first child in the past nine months were recruited to the study from clinical and community settings. They completed digital self-report questionnaires about their birth experience, social identity, mental health, and psychological wellbeing. Women who perceived themselves to have had a traumatic birth (the trauma group; N = 84) were compared to women who did not perceive themselves to have had a traumatic birth (the control group, N = 39). T-tests and chi square tests assessed preliminary group differences before multivariate analyses of covariance controlled for covariates. Post-hoc tests identified the direction of differences. Multiple regression and moderation analyses analysed interaction effects. RESULTS The trauma group had significantly lower psychological wellbeing (mean = 41.5, 95% CI [39.4-43.7], p = .008, partial η2 = 0.059), compared to the control group (mean = 48.4, 95% CI [45.3-51.5]), but the two groups did not differ in the strength of their first-time mother identity, which was high across both groups. Strength of identity did not moderate the relationship between traumatic childbirth and psychological wellbeing. Giving birth by caesarean section independently reduced the strength of the first-time mother identity (p = .017, partial η2 = 0.049). All analyses controlled for emotional and practical support, perceptions of healthcare staff, and mode of birth. CONCLUSIONS Having a traumatic birth was associated with lower psychological wellbeing, and the strength of first-time mother identity does not appear to moderate this relationship. Factors such as mode of birth may be more important. Further research, including longitudinal designs, is needed to understand the relationship between these constructs and identify more effective ways of protecting first-time mothers' mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shama El-Salahi
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, OX3 7JX, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Knowles Bevis
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Isis Education Centre, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, OX3 7JX, Oxford, UK
| | - Lorna Hogg
- Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, Isis Education Centre, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, OX3 7JX, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kaliush PR, Conradt E, Kerig PK, Williams PG, Crowell SE. A multilevel developmental psychopathology model of childbirth and the perinatal transition. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:533-544. [PMID: 36700362 PMCID: PMC10368796 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent applications of a developmental psychopathology perspective to the perinatal period, these conceptualizations have largely ignored the role that childbirth plays in the perinatal transition. Thus, we present a conceptual model of childbirth as a bridge between prenatal and postnatal health. We argue that biopsychosocial factors during pregnancy influence postnatal health trajectories both directly and indirectly through childbirth experiences, and we focus our review on those indirect effects. In order to frame our model within a developmental psychopathology lens, we first describe "typical" biopsychosocial aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Then, we explore ways in which these processes may deviate from the norm to result in adverse or traumatic childbirth experiences. We briefly describe early postnatal health trajectories that may follow from these birth experiences, including those which are adaptive despite traumatic childbirth, and we conclude with implications for research and clinical practice. We intend for our model to illuminate the importance of including childbirth in multilevel perinatal research. This advancement is critical for reducing perinatal health disparities and promoting health and well-being among birthing parents and their children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa R. Kaliush
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, BEH S 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Elisabeth Conradt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Patricia K. Kerig
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, BEH S 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Paula G. Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, BEH S 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sheila E. Crowell
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, BEH S 502, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schafer KM, Wallace KF, Kroll-Desrosiers A, Mattocks K. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Military Sexual Trauma, and Birth Experiences at the Veterans Health Administration. Womens Health Issues 2024; 34:303-308. [PMID: 38123426 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are a growing portion of the U.S. veteran population, and every year the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves an increasing number of women seeking obstetrics services. Women veterans experience elevated rates of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic events, including military sexual trauma, as compared with women in the general population. It is possible that mental health disorders may be associated with birth experiences. OBJECTIVES We investigated the link between anxiety, depression, PTSD, and military sexual trauma (MST; i.e., rape and sexual harassment) with perceived birth experience (i.e., Negative or Neutral vs. Positive). METHODS Participants included 1,005 veterans who had recently given birth and were enrolled in the multisite, mixed methods study known as the Center for Maternal and Infant Outcomes Research in Translation study (COMFORT). Using χ2 tests, we investigated the relationship between mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and PTSD and MST with birth experience (coded as Negative/Neutral vs. Positive). RESULTS Findings indicated that participants who endorsed PTSD (39.5%), MST-rape (32.1%), or MST-harassment (51.4%; all p < .05) were significantly more likely to report a Negative/Neutral birth experience (14.7%) versus a Positive birth experience (85.3%). Anxiety and depression were not associated with birth experience. CONCLUSIONS Veterans with PTSD and/or who experienced MST were more likely to report a negative or neutral birth experience. Thus, screening for PTSD and MST during obstetrics services as well as providing trauma-informed obstetrics care during pregnancy, labor, birth, and recovery may be important among veterans seeking obstetric services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Musacchio Schafer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Kate F Wallace
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts
| | - Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kristin Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Basile-Ibrahim B, Combellick J, Mead TL, Sorensen A, Batten J, Schafer R. The Social Context of Pregnancy, Respectful Maternity Care, Biomarkers of Weathering, and Postpartum Mental Health Inequities: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:480. [PMID: 38673391 PMCID: PMC11049830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders are the number one cause of maternal mortality and a significant maternal morbidity. This scoping review sought to understand the associations between social context and experiences during pregnancy and birth, biological indicators of stress and weathering, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Methods: A scoping review was performed using PRISMA-ScR guidance and JBI scoping review methodology. The search was conducted in OVID Medline and Embase. Results: This review identified 74 eligible English-language peer-reviewed original research articles. A majority of studies reported significant associations between social context, negative and stressful experiences in the prenatal period, and a higher incidence of diagnosis and symptoms of PMADs. Included studies reported significant associations between postpartum depression and prenatal stressors (n = 17), socioeconomic disadvantage (n = 14), negative birth experiences (n = 9), obstetric violence (n = 3), and mistreatment by maternity care providers (n = 3). Birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was positively associated with negative birth experiences (n = 11), obstetric violence (n = 1), mistreatment by the maternity care team (n = 1), socioeconomic disadvantage (n = 2), and prenatal stress (n = 1); and inverse association with supportiveness of the maternity care team (n = 5) and presence of a birth companion or doula (n = 4). Postpartum anxiety was significantly associated with negative birth experiences (n = 2) and prenatal stress (n = 3). Findings related to associations between biomarkers of stress and weathering, perinatal exposures, and PMADs (n = 14) had mixed significance. Conclusions: Postpartum mental health outcomes are linked with the prenatal social context and interactions with the maternity care team during pregnancy and birth. Respectful maternity care has the potential to reduce adverse postpartum mental health outcomes, especially for persons affected by systemic oppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan Combellick
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA; (J.C.)
| | - Thomas L. Mead
- Biomedical Libraries, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Alee Sorensen
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA; (J.C.)
| | - Janene Batten
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Robyn Schafer
- Division of Advanced Nursing Practice, School of Nursing, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07107, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gilbert L, Sandoz V, Deforges C, Horsch A. A two-item screening of maternal or infant perceived life threat during childbirth prospectively associated with childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms up to six months postpartum: two observational longitudinal studies. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1360189. [PMID: 38654730 PMCID: PMC11036539 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1360189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated prospective relationships between the perception of threat to one's own life or to that of one's infant during childbirth and maternal childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (CB-PTSS) and probable childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) in a community and a community and an emergency cesarean section (ECS) sample. Methods Study samples included 72 mothers from a community sample and 75 mothers after emergency cesarean section. Perceived maternal and infant life threat were assessed at ≤1 week postpartum. Maternal CB-PTSS and probable CB-PTSD were assessed with validated questionnaires up to 6 months postpartum. Covariates were extracted from hospital records. Secondary data analysis with logistic and linear regressions was performed. Results Globally, mothers were significantly more likely to perceive their infant's life to be threatened, rather than their own. Both types of perceived threat were prospectively but differentially associated with maternal CB-PTSS and probable CB-PTSD at 4-6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Conclusion The type of perceived threat differently influences maternal CB-PTSS and probable CB-PTSD up to 6 months postpartum. These results may be the basis for the development of a short screening instrument after traumatic childbirth in clinical settings. Future studies need to assess the psychometric properties and acceptability of such a brief screening tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah Gilbert
- Department Woman-mother-child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Charles Perkins Center, Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Vania Sandoz
- Child Abuse and Neglect Team, Department Woman-mother-child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camille Deforges
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antje Horsch
- Department Woman-mother-child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Long T, Aggar C, Grace S. Trauma-informed care education for midwives: Does education improve attitudes towards trauma-informed care? Midwifery 2024; 131:103950. [PMID: 38359645 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Continuing education is important to improve midwives' attitudes to trauma-informed care in addressing the needs of women during the perinatal period. This study aimed to evaluate if there was a significant difference in attitudes towards trauma-informed care between midwives who participated in a 2-day trauma-informed care education program and those who did not. METHOD A static group comparison design was adopted with a convenience sample of midwives to analyse differences in attitudes towards trauma-informed care between midwives who received a 2-day TIC education (n = 19, intervention group) and their peers who did not receive the education (n = 18, comparison group). RESULTS The results suggest that midwives who participated in a 2-day trauma-informed care education program had significantly higher scores for positive attitudes towards trauma-informed care compared to those who did not take part in the program and that this effect was sustained at 6 months. CONCLUSION To minimise perinatal trauma for mothers and babies, midwives require specific trauma-informed care education. This study proposes that trauma-informed care education is a foundational pathway for implementing a trauma-informed care framework across a maternity service.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trish Long
- Northern NSW Local Health District, Australia.
| | - Christina Aggar
- Northern NSW Local Health District, Australia; Southern Cross University, Faculty of Health, Australia
| | - Sandra Grace
- Southern Cross University, Faculty of Health, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Benyamini Y, Delicate A, Ayers S, Dikmen-Yildiz P, Gouni O, Jonsdottir SS, Karlsdottir SI, Kömürcü Akik B, Leinweber J, Murphy-Tighe S, Pajalic Z, Riklikiene O, Limmer CM. Key dimensions of women's and their partners' experiences of childbirth: A systematic review of reviews of qualitative studies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299151. [PMID: 38551936 PMCID: PMC10980232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization 2018 intrapartum guideline for a positive birth experience emphasized the importance of maternal emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the need for safe childbirth. Today, in many countries birth is safe, yet many women report negative and traumatic birth experiences, with adverse effects on their and their families' well-being. Many reviews have attempted to understand the complexity of women's and their partners' birth experience; however, it remains unclear what the key dimensions of the birth experience are. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the information from reviews of qualitative studies on the experience of childbirth in order to identify key dimensions of women's and their partners' childbirth experience. METHODS Systematic database searches yielded 40 reviews, focusing either on general samples or on specific modes of birth or populations, altogether covering primary studies from over 35,000 women (and >1000 partners) in 81 countries. We appraised the reviews' quality, extracted data and analysed it using thematic analysis. FINDINGS Four key dimensions of women's and partners' birth experience (covering ten subthemes), were identified: 1) Perceptions, including attitudes and beliefs; 2) Physical aspects, including birth environment and pain; 3) Emotional challenges; and 4) Relationships, with birth companions and interactions with healthcare professionals. In contrast with the comprehensive picture that arises from our synthesis, most reviews attended to only one or two of these dimensions. CONCLUSIONS The identified key dimensions bring to light the complexity and multidimensionality of the birth experience. Within each dimension, pathways leading towards negative and traumatic birth experiences as well as pathways leading to positive experiences become tangible. Identifying key dimensions of the birth experience may help inform education and research in the field of birth experiences and gives guidance to practitioners and policy makers on how to promote positive birth experiences for women and their partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amy Delicate
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City, University of London, London United Kingdom
| | - Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City, University of London, London United Kingdom
| | - Pelin Dikmen-Yildiz
- Department of Psychology, Fen—Edebiyat Fakültesi, Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Kirklareli University, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | - Olga Gouni
- Cosmoanelixis, Prenatal & Life Sciences Educational Organization, Nea Ionia, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Burcu Kömürcü Akik
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and History-Geography, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Julia Leinweber
- Institute of Midwifery, Charité University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Murphy-Tighe
- Department of Nursing & Midwifery, Health Sciences Building, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Olga Riklikiene
- Faculty of Nursing, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Claudia Maria Limmer
- Department of Nursing and Management, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bartels HC, Lalor JG, Walsh D, Nieto-Calvache AJ, Terlizzi K, Cooney N, Palacios-Jaraquemada JM, O'Flaherty D, MacColgain S, Ffrench-O'Carroll R, Brennan DJ. Anesthesia and postpartum pain management for placenta accreta spectrum: The patient perspective and recommendations for care. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:992-1000. [PMID: 37724833 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a high-risk complication of pregnancy, which often requires complex surgical intervention. There is limited literature on the patient experience during the perioperative period and postpartum pain management for PAS. Therefore, this study aims to explore the patient perspective of anesthesia care. METHODS Ethical approval was granted by the hospital ethics committee (EC02.2023). This was a descriptive survey study, including women with a history of pregnancy complicated by PAS who were members of two patient advocacy groups. The survey, consisting of both open and closed questions, was performed over a 6-week period between January and March 2023. Content analysis was performed on qualitative data to identify themes, and recommendations for care are suggested. RESULTS A total of 347 participants responded to the survey; 76% (n = 252) had a cesarean hysterectomy (n = 252), and general anesthesia was the most common primary mode of anesthesia (39%, n = 130). We identified two overarching themes: experiences of anesthesia and experience of postpartum pain management. Under experiences of anesthesia, three subthemes were identified, namely "communication with the anesthesiologist", "deferring to the expertise of the team", and "consequences of decision around the mode of anesthesia." Under postpartum pain management, two subthemes emerged: "support of specialist PAS team" and "poor pain management following PAS surgery". CONCLUSIONS Women want to be involved in decisions around their care, but do not always understand the consequences of their decision-making, such as missing the birth of their child. An antenatal anesthesiology consultation is important to provide women with information, explore preferences, and develop a plan of care for the birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena C Bartels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Joan G Lalor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Don Walsh
- Department of Anaesthesiology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | - Doireann O'Flaherty
- Department of Obstetric Anaesthesiology, Coombe Women's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siaghal MacColgain
- Department of Anaesthesiology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Donal J Brennan
- University College Dublin Gynaecological Oncology Group (UCD-GOG), Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ayers S, Horsch A, Garthus-Niegel S, Nieuwenhuijze M, Bogaerts A, Hartmann K, Karlsdottir SI, Oosterman M, Tecirli G, Turner JD, Lalor J. Traumatic birth and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder: International expert consensus recommendations for practice, policy, and research. Women Birth 2024; 37:362-367. [PMID: 38071102 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests 1 in 3 births are experienced as psychologically traumatic and about 4% of women and 1% of their partners develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. AIM To provide expert consensus recommendations for practice, policy, and research and theory. METHOD Two consultations (n = 65 and n = 43) with an international group of expert researchers and clinicians from 33 countries involved in COST Action CA18211; three meetings with CA18211 group leaders and stakeholders; followed by review and feedback from people with lived experience and CA18211 members (n = 238). FINDINGS Recommendations for practice include that care for women and birth partners must be given in ways that minimise negative birth experiences. This includes respecting women's rights before, during, and after childbirth; and preventing maltreatment and obstetric violence. Principles of trauma-informed care need to be integrated across maternity settings. Recommendations for policy include that national and international guidelines are needed to increase awareness of perinatal mental health problems, including traumatic birth and childbirth-related PTSD, and outline evidence-based, practical strategies for detection, prevention, and treatment. Recommendations for research and theory include that birth needs to be understood through a neuro-biopsychosocial framework. Longitudinal studies with representative and global samples are warranted; and research on prevention, intervention and cost to society is essential. CONCLUSION Implementation of these recommendations could potentially reduce traumatic births and childbirth-related PTSD worldwide and improve outcomes for women and families. Recommendations should ideally be incorporated into a comprehensive, holistic approach to mental health support for all involved in the childbirth process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, EC1V 0HB, UK.
| | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM), Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Nieuwenhuijze
- Research Centre for Midwifery Science, Zuyd University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; CAPHRI, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annick Bogaerts
- REALIFE research group, Research Unit Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Mirjam Oosterman
- Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Department of Clinical Child & Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, the Netherlands
| | - Gulcan Tecirli
- Health Technology Assessment Department, Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Health, Bilkent, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Joan Lalor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Frankham LJ, Thorsteinsson EB, Bartik W. Birth related PTSD and its association with the mother-infant relationship: A meta-analysis. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 38:100920. [PMID: 37847956 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a growing body of research showing that birth related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may impact the mother-infant relationship. The present study assessed the strength of the association between birth related PTSD symptoms and the mother-infant relationship. METHOD A total of twelve studies (5,572 participants) were included based on database searches using PubMed, EBSCO and ProQuest. RESULTS The findings showed that greater levels of birth related PTSD symptoms were associated with poorer mother-infant relationship, r = -0.36, 95% CI: [-0.43 - -0.28], random effects model. The outcomes appeared to be heterogeneous (Q(11) = 81.63, p <.001, tau2 = 0.0123, I2 = 80.73%), despite all outcomes being in the same direction as the overall outcome. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that birth related PTSD symptoms are negatively associated with the mother-infant relationship. Further investigation into the prevention of birth related trauma is suggested. Improving birthing experiences for mothers is likely to contribute to improved infant mental health, thereby reducing overall social and economic costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Frankham
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - Einar B Thorsteinsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Warren Bartik
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lissmann R, Lokot M, Marston C. Understanding the lived experience of pregnancy and birth for survivors of rape and sexual assault. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:796. [PMID: 37974064 PMCID: PMC10652570 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06085-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One in five women in the UK are survivors of rape and sexual assault, and four in five women will give birth. This implies that a substantial number of women experience rape and sexual assault before pregnancy. We highlight and explore the voices and lived experiences of survivors during pregnancy and birth, to better understand the relationship between sexual violence, biomedicine, and pregnancy and to inform maternity care practice. METHODS This qualitative research took an intersectional feminist approach. We conducted in-depth individual interviews in England with fourteen women who self-identified as survivors of rape or sexual assault, and who had experienced pregnancy and birth after the assault. We conducted open line-by-line coding of the interview transcripts, and identified key themes and sub-themes inductively. RESULTS Three themes help summarise the narratives: control, safety and trauma. Maintaining a sense of control was important to survivors but they often reported objectification by healthcare staff and lack of consent or choice about healthcare decisions. Participants' preferences for giving birth were often motivated by their desire to feel in control and avoid triggering traumatic memories of the sexual assault. Survivors felt safer when they trusted staff. Many participants said it was important for staff to know they were survivors but none were asked about this. Pregnancy and birth experiences were triggering when they mirrored the assault, for instance if the woman was prevented from moving. Many of our participants reported having unmet mental health care needs before, during or after pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of sexual violence have specific maternity care needs. For our participants, these needs were often not met, leading to negative or traumatic experiences of pregnancy and birth. Systemic biases and poor birth experience jeopardise both psychological and physical safety. Funding for maternity and mental health services must be improved, so that they meet minimum staffing and care standards. Maternity services should urgently introduce trauma-informed models of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lissmann
- Queen Mary University of London, Yvonne Carter Building, 58 Turner Street, London, E1 2AB, England.
| | - Michelle Lokot
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, England
| | - Cicely Marston
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SH, England
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sutton E, Detering K, East C, Whittaker A. Women's expectations about birth, requests for pain relief in labor and the subsequent development of birth dissonance and trauma. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:777. [PMID: 37946106 PMCID: PMC10633977 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06066-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth is a significant event in women's lives. As Mansfield notes (2008) many women aim for a birth that avoids pharmacological pain relief because they are advised it is better for them and their baby. For women having their first baby, this may not be realistic as 3/4 of primiparous women in Australia will use pharmacological pain relief. This study examines the expectations that a group of women had regarding pain relief, how these expectations developed and what happened to requests for pain relief in labour. METHODS A longitudinal prospective study design was used to recruit 15 women who were having their first baby. Women having low risk pregnancies, hoping for a 'natural birth' (vaginal, no/minimal pharmacological pain relief) were eligible. A semi-structured interview tool was used across all three interviews that asked women about their expectations, then actual labour experience, pain management requests and how these were responded to by carers. Fifteen women were interviewed - at 36 weeks gestation; as soon after delivery of their baby as possible, then six months post-delivery (N = 43 interviews). Interviews were recorded and transcribed and coded by ES using NVivo software with hierarchical thematic analysis used. RESULTS The study found that women appear to experience a mismatch between expectations they had developed pre-birth, versus actual experience. This appears to cause a specific form of dissonance - which we have termed 'birth dissonance' leaving them feeling traumatised post birth. This is because what women expected to happen in birth was often not realised. In particular, some women requested pain relief in birth and felt that their request was not responded to as hoped, and also seemed to develop post-birth trauma. We proposed that this may have resulted from dissonance arising from their expectations about being able to birth without significant pain relief. Interventions and technology may also contribute to this sense of mismatch and post-birth trauma. CONCLUSIONS Low risk birthing women birthing in a hospital may have to engage with higher levels of technology, intervention and pain relief than that which they expected pre-birth. This could possibly be avoided with four simple changes. Firstly, better pre-birth education for women about how painful labor is likely to be. Secondly, pre-birth education which includes a detailed explanation of the utility of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief. Thirdly, more egalitarian decision-making during labour and finally delivering upon women's requests for pain relief in labor, at the time that they ask for it. Further research is required to determine the extent of birth dissonance and how women making the transition to motherhood can avoid it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Sutton
- Monash Bioethics Centre - Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Karen Detering
- Monash Bioethics Centre - Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Health and Aged Care, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christine East
- Nursing and Midwifery - La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea Whittaker
- Sociology and Anthropology - Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Williams ME, Strobino DM, Holliday CN. Measuring post-traumatic stress after childbirth: a review and critical appraisal of instruments. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023; 41:599-613. [PMID: 35083966 PMCID: PMC9325923 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing psychological trauma after childbirth requires accurate measurement of its prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes using validated instruments that distinguish perceptions of traumatic birth, subclinical post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, and symptoms meeting a diagnostic threshold. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to review literature on psychological trauma following childbirth and appraise instruments that measure postpartum PTS. METHODS In January 2020, the authors searched for and evaluated peer-reviewed studies that quantitatively measured PTS following hospital-based live births in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland; 37 articles were selected and evaluated. RESULTS Levels of post-traumatic stress disorder were most commonly measured, followed by PTS symptoms. Diagnostic instruments suggested lower PTS prevalence estimates than those screening for or assessing PTS symptoms. Community samples yielded lower prevalence estimates than samples recruited from the internet or settings specifically addressing mental health. Measurement sooner after birth yielded higher estimates. CONCLUSION Study design, sample characteristics, instruments, and timing of measurements likely impact postpartum PTS prevalence estimates. Variation in these characteristics make it difficult to draw conclusions on the prevalence of postpartum PTS. Researchers should consider the appraisal of measurement tools presented here and use rigorous study methodology when studying traumatic birth experiences and evaluating interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meagan E Williams
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Donna M Strobino
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charvonne N Holliday
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Devita S, Deforges C, Bickle-Graz M, Tolsa JF, Sandoz V, Horsch A. Maternal childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms, bonding, and infant development: a prospective study. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37740725 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2261057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (CB-PTSS) including general symptoms (GS, i.e., mainly negative cognitions and mood and hyperarousal symptoms) and birth-related symptoms (BRS, i.e., mostly re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms) may disrupt mother-infant bonding and infant development. This study investigated prospective and cross-sectional associations between maternal CB-PTSS and mother-infant bonding or infant development (language, motor, and cognitive). METHOD We analysed secondary data of the control group of a randomised control trial (NCT03576586) with full-term French-speaking mother-infant dyads (n = 55). Maternal CB-PTSS and mother-infant bonding were assessed via questionnaires at six weeks (T1) and six months (T2) postpartum: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS). Infant development was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at T2. Sociodemographic and medical data were collected from questionnaires and medical records. Bivariate and multivariate regression were used. RESULTS Maternal total CB-PTSS score at T1 was associated with poorer bonding at T2 in the unadjusted model (B = 0.064, p = 0.043). In the adjusted model, cross-sectional associations were found at T1 between a higher total CB-PTSS score and poorer bonding (B = 0.134, p = 0.017) and between higher GS and poorer bonding (B = 0.306, p = 0.002). Higher BRS at T1 was associated with better infant cognitive development at T2 in the unadjusted model (B = 0.748, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that CB-PTSS were associated with mother-infant bonding difficulties, while CB-PTSS were not significantly associated with infant development. Additional studies are needed to increase our understanding of the intergenerational consequences of perinatal trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sella Devita
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camille Deforges
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Myriam Bickle-Graz
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Clinic of Neonatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-François Tolsa
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Clinic of Neonatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vania Sandoz
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Child Abuse and Neglect Team, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare (IUFRS), University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department Woman-Mother-Child, Clinic of Neonatology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Keedle H, Lockwood R, Keedle W, Susic D, Dahlen HG. What women want if they were to have another baby: the Australian Birth Experience Study (BESt) cross-sectional national survey. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071582. [PMID: 37666545 PMCID: PMC10496680 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore if Australian women would do anything differently if they were to have another baby. DESIGN AND SETTING The Birth Experience Study (BESt) online survey explored pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences for women who had given birth during 2016-2021 in Australia. PARTICIPANTS In 2021, 8804 women responded to the BESt survey and 6101 responses to the open text responses to the survey question 'Would you do anything different if you were to have another baby?' were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS A total of 6101 women provided comments in response to the open text question, resulting in 10 089 items of coding. Six categories were found: 'Next time I'll be ready' (3958, 39.2%) described how women reflected on their previous experience, feeling the need to better advocate for themselves in the future to receive the care or experience they wanted; 'I want a specific birth experience' (2872, 28.5%) and 'I want a specific model of care' (1796, 17.8%) highlighted the types of birth and health provider women would choose for their next pregnancy. 'I want better access' (294, 2.9%) identified financial and/or geographical constraints women experience trying to make choices for birth. Two categories included comments from women who said 'I don't want to change anything' (1027, 10.2%) and 'I don't want another pregnancy' (142, 1.4%). Most women birthed in hospital (82.9%) and had a vaginal birth (59.2%) and 26.7% had a caesarean. CONCLUSION Over 85% of comments left by women in Australia were related to making different decisions regarding their next birth choices. Most concerningly women often blamed themselves for not being more informed. Women realised the benefits of continuity of care with a midwife. Many women also desired a vaginal birth as well as better access to birthing at home.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Keedle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Risharda Lockwood
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Warren Keedle
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniella Susic
- Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah G Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith South, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rousseau S, Feldman T, Shlomi Polachek I, Frenkel TI. Persistent symptoms of maternal post-traumatic stress following childbirth across the first months postpartum: Associations with perturbations in maternal behavior and infant avoidance of social gaze toward mother. INFANCY 2023; 28:882-909. [PMID: 37329252 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent literature identifies childbirth as a potentially traumatic event, following which mothers may develop symptoms of Post-Traumatic-Stress-Following-Childbirth (PTS-FC). The current study examines whether stable symptoms of PTS-FC during the early postpartum period may impose risk for perturbations in maternal behavior and infant social-engagement with mother, controlling for comorbid postpartum internalizing symptoms. Mother-infant dyads (N = 192) were recruited from the general population, during the third trimester of pregnancy. 49.5% of the mothers were primipara, and 48.4% of the infants were girls. Maternal PTS-FC was assessed at 3-day, 1-month and 4-month postpartum, via self-report and clinician-administered interview. Latent Profile Analysis generated two profiles of symptomology: "Stable-High-PTS-FC" (17.0%), and "Stable-Low-PTS-FC" (83%). Membership in the "Stable-High-PTS-FC" profile associated with perturbed maternal sensitivity, which was in turn significantly associated with infant avoidance of social gaze toward mother (Indirect effect β = -0.15). Results suggest the need for early screening and inform the planning of early preventive interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Rousseau
- School of Education, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Tamar Feldman
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya, Israel
| | - Inbal Shlomi Polachek
- Be'er Ya'akov Medical Center, Beer Yaakov, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tahl I Frenkel
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cross H, Krahé C, Spiby H, Slade P. Do antenatal preparation and obstetric complications and procedures interact to affect birth experience and postnatal mental health? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:543. [PMID: 37501081 PMCID: PMC10375777 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05846-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal preparation is commonly offered to women in pregnancy in the United Kingdom, but the content is highly variable, with some programmes orientated towards 'normal birth', whilst others may incorporate information about complications and procedures (broader focus). However, the impact of this variability on birth experience has not been explored. We examined the relationship between the content of antenatal preparation received and birth experience, taking into account obstetric complications and procedures. As birth experience can have a profound impact on a mother's postnatal well-being, we also investigated associations with mothers' postnatal mood and anxiety. METHODS N = 253 first-time mothers completed a cross-sectional survey measuring demographic and clinical factors, antenatal preparation content (categorised as normality-focused or broader-focused), obstetric complications and procedures experienced, birth experience (measured using three separate indices; the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire, emotional experiences, and presence/absence of birth trauma), postnatal depression and anxiety, and qualitative information on how the COVID-19 pandemic had affected birth experience. RESULTS Regarding birth experience, receiving more broader-focused preparation was associated with a more positive birth experience irrespective of complications/procedures experienced, while receiving only normality-focused preparation was beneficial in the context of fewer complications/procedures. Regarding birth trauma, receiving more broader-focused preparation was associated with lower likelihood of reporting birth as traumatic only in the context of more complications/procedures. Degree of normality-focused preparation was unrelated to experience of birth trauma. Lastly, while more complications/procedures were associated with greater anxiety and low mood, only greater normality-focused preparation was linked with better postnatal mental health. CONCLUSIONS Antenatal preparation including both normality- and broader-focused information is positively related to women's birth experience. While normality-focused preparation seems most beneficial if fewer complications/procedures are experienced, broader-focused preparation may be most beneficial in the context of a greater number of complications/procedures. As complications/procedures are often unpredictable, offering broader-focused preparation routinely is likely to benefit women's birth experience. This antenatal preparation should be freely available and easily accessible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Cross
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, UK
| | - Charlotte Krahé
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helen Spiby
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pauline Slade
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pierce SK, Reynolds KA, Jakobson LS, Ricci MF, Roos LE. Unmet Parental Mental Health Service Needs in Neonatal Follow-Up Programs: Parent and Service Provider Perspectives. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1174. [PMID: 37508670 PMCID: PMC10378703 DOI: 10.3390/children10071174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Parental mental health services in neonatal follow-up programs (NFUPs) are lacking though needed. This study aimed to determine (1) the unmet mental health needs of parents and (2) the parent and provider perspectives on barriers and opportunities to increase mental health service access. Study 1: Parents in a central Canadian NFUP (N = 49) completed a mixed-method online survey (analyzed descriptively and by content analysis) to elucidate their mental health, related service use, barriers to service use, and service preferences. Study 2: Virtual focus groups with NFUP service providers (N = 5) were run to inform service improvements (analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis). The results show that parents endorsed a 2-4 times higher prevalence of clinically significant depression (59.2%), anxiety (51.0%), and PTSD (26.5%) than the general postpartum population. Most parents were not using mental health services (55.1%) due to resource insecurity among parents (e.g., time, cost) and the organization (e.g., staffing, training, referrals). Consolidating parents' and service providers' perspectives revealed four opportunities for service improvements: bridging services, mental health screening, online psychoeducation, and peer support. Findings clarify how a central Canadian NFUP can address parental mental health in ways that are desired by parents and feasible for service providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shayna K Pierce
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Kristin A Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N4, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Lorna S Jakobson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - M Florencia Ricci
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
- Manitoba Neonatal Follow-Up Program, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3G1, Canada
| | - Leslie E Roos
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Shorey S, Downe S, Chua JYX, Byrne SO, Fobelets M, Lalor JG. Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions to Improve the Mental Well-Being of Parents Who Have Experienced Traumatic Childbirth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1238-1253. [PMID: 34894877 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Considering the adverse impact that traumatic childbirth experiences can have on parental mental well-being, studies that have investigated the potential of providing postnatal psychological support for this group of parents require evaluation. This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions at improving the mental well-being of parents who have experienced traumatic childbirth in terms of anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Seven electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates up to January 2021. Only quantitative studies that reported the effects of psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, and/or PTSD symptoms in selective (at risk of traumatic childbirth experience) or indicated (self-defined childbirth experience as traumatic for any reason) populations of parents (mothers and/or fathers) were included. Eight studies were included and meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. All studies were conducted on mothers only, and one study had minimal father involvement. Results showed that psychological interventions were more effective in reducing fear of childbirth and improving PTSD symptoms compared to anxiety and depression. Greater improvement in depression was reported at 3-8 weeks' follow-up than at immediate post-intervention. Subgroup analyses showed that technology-based interventions were feasible, and indicated interventions were more effective than selective interventions. Conducting future interventions in more geographical regions, engaging and including fathers more actively, incorporating both personalized professional therapy and informal peer support, striving for flexibility and convenience, as well as addressing topics on self-doubt and coping skills can improve current interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | - Soo Downe
- School of Community Health and Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Joelle Yan Xin Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | | | - Maaike Fobelets
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Public Health Sciences, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics (BISI) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department Health Care, Knowledge Centre Brussels Integrated Care, Erasmus University College Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Salama K, Holt R, Puryear LJ. Mental Health and Placenta Accreta Spectrum. Am J Perinatol 2023; 40:1009-1012. [PMID: 37336219 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Nearly half of women describe childbirth as traumatic in some way, making them more vulnerable to perinatal psychiatric illness. Patients with high risk pregnancies, such as abnormal placentation, are even more susceptible to childbirth related mental health sequelae. There are no formal recommendations for mental health intervention in women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). In many institutions, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is used to assess for depressive and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. Women with PAS should be screened at time of diagnosis, monthly until delivery, and at multiple time points through the first year postpartum. It is also recommended to screen women for PTSD prior to and after delivery. Interventions shown helpful in the PAS population include establishing a multidisciplinary team, patient access to a support person or care coordinator, development of a postpartum care team and plan, and extending mental health follow up through the first year postpartum. Women with PAS are at increased risk for negative mental health outcomes. To support the mental health of women with PAS and their families, we recommend a multi-disciplinary treatment team, screening for mental health sequelae early and often, referring women with positive screens to mental health professionals, involving the partner/family in care, and considering referral to a PAS support group for peer support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Salama
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roxane Holt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lucy J Puryear
- Baylor Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Xu L, Masters GA, Moore Simas TA, Bergman AL, Byatt N. Labor and Delivery Clinician Perspectives on Impact of Traumatic Clinical Experiences and Need for Systemic Supports. Matern Child Health J 2023:10.1007/s10995-023-03708-2. [PMID: 37278845 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Few studies have elucidated the impact of work-related trauma on labor and delivery clinician or considered whether it may be a cause of burnout. This study aims to elicit labor and delivery clinician perspectives on the impact of exposure to traumatic births on their professional quality of life. METHODS Labor and delivery clinicians (physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurses; n = 165) were recruited to complete an online questionnaire on experiences with traumatic births. The questionnaire contained measures from the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the professional quality of life scale version 5. Some participants completed an optional free-text prompt to recommend ways to support clinicians after traumatic births (n = 115). Others opted into a semi-structured phone interview (n = 8). Qualitative data was analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS Self-reported adequate institutional support for clinicians after a traumatic birth was positively correlated with compassion satisfaction (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with secondary traumatic stress (r = - 0.27, p < 0.01), and burnout (r = - 0.26, p < 0.01). Qualitative themes included lack of system-wide and leadership support, lack of access to mental health resources, and suboptimal workplace culture as contributors toward secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Participants recommended proactive leadership, consistent debriefing protocols, trauma education, and improved access to counseling. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE Multi-level barriers prevented labor and delivery clinicians from accessing needed mental health support after exposure to traumatic births. Proactive investment in healthcare system supports for clinicians may improve clinician professional quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Grace A Masters
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Memorial Health Care, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Aaron L Bergman
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Nancy Byatt
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, UMass Memorial Health Care, 55 N Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Meili X, Sasa H, Ying H, Lijuan Z, Guanxiu T, Jun L. Prevalence of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder and its determinants in Mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 44:76-85. [PMID: 37197866 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence and risk factors of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder reported by population-based studies have significantly varied and the data are all collected from regional populations in Mainland China. AIMS To utilize published data to estimate the overall prevalence of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder and its determinants in Mainland China. METHODS Comprehensively electronic searches were performed across six English databases and three Chinese databases. Random effects of the meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the pooled prevalence of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. Meta-regression was performed with the variable of study design, sample size, setting, measures, region, time points, and publication year. RESULTS Totaling of nineteen studies was included, with a sample size of 13,231 postpartum women. The pooled prevalence of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder was 11.2 % in Mainland China, with a higher prevalence at the timepoint within 1 month postpartum (18.1 %). Significant publication bias and heterogeneity were found (I2 = 97.1 %). Sample size and measurements were conditional on the prevalence of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. Postpartum depressive symptoms, sleep problems, cesarean section, and low levels of social support were the major risk factors for postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. While being the one child in the family was the protective factor. CONCLUSION An increasing prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder within one month postpartum significantly arises awareness to provide screening and more mental health services during this period. Screening programs for postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder are still needed in Mainland China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Meili
- Department of Nursing, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China; Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China
| | - Huang Sasa
- Department of Nursing, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China; Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China
| | - Hu Ying
- Department of Nursing, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China; Xiang Ya School of Nursing, Central South University, 172 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China
| | - Zhang Lijuan
- Department of Nursing, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China; Department of Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Proviince, 410013, China
| | - Tang Guanxiu
- Department of Nursing, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China; Department of Geriatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China.
| | - Lei Jun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
King BC, Eastin SM, Ho SY, Shapiro P, Sheen JJ, Fitelson EM. Inpatient obstetric consultation-liaison services: Meeting unmet needs in perinatal mental health. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2023; 83:179-184. [PMID: 37267727 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Obstetric patients are at increased risk for psychological distress and the development or exacerbation of mental illness, particularly in the setting of pregnancy or delivery complications. Inpatient antepartum, labor and delivery, and postpartum hospitalization is an important opportunity for psychiatric support and intervention. The aims of this paper are to review the unmet mental health needs in obstetric inpatient care, examine the current state of obstetric consultation-liaison (OB CL) psychiatry services, present one existing model of such a service at the authors' institution, provide broad recommendations for the structure and implementation of this service, and detail areas of future research within the area of OB CL psychiatry. We argue that the inpatient obstetric setting is a critical space for mental health evaluation, education and intervention, and that dedicated OB CL psychiatry services are a potentially valuable tool in addressing the perinatal mental health crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bridget C King
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Shiloh M Eastin
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheau-Yan Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Shapiro
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Sheen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NewYork-Presbyterian Sloane Hospital for Women, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Fitelson
- Department of Psychiatry, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Salter C, Wint K, Burke J, Chang JC, Documet P, Kaselitz E, Mendez D. Overlap between birth trauma and mistreatment: a qualitative analysis exploring American clinician perspectives on patient birth experiences. Reprod Health 2023; 20:63. [PMID: 37085888 PMCID: PMC10121072 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01604-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research exploring the mistreatment of birthing people in the United States is emerging rapidly within the context of increasingly poor maternal health outcomes that include unacceptable racial disparities. Previous research has explored overlap between psychological birth trauma and mistreatment using patient descriptions of birth experiences, but no previous studies have explored these issues from the perspectives of clinicians. The aim of this study was to explore whether maternity care providers' descriptions of patient birth trauma overlap with categories of mistreatment from a globally accepted typology. METHODS Content analysis was performed on a qualitative data set of 28 semi-structured interviews about patient birth trauma, completed in 2018-2019 with U.S. maternity care clinicians, including obstetricians, family physicians, midwives and labor/delivery nurses. The interviews were part of a larger study exploring maternity clinician perspectives and experiences of patient birth trauma. For this analysis Krippendorff's method of categoric distinction was used, with categories from a globally recognized typology of maternity patient mistreatment. RESULTS Clinicians' descriptions of their experiences with patient birth trauma mapped onto all seven mistreatment categories, although no interview questions specifically asked about mistreatment. In more than 30 hours of interviews, transcribed to more than 800 pages, the word mistreatment appears only once, suggesting that some healthcare providers may use the phrase "birth trauma" as a euphemism to describe mistreatment. Eighteen of 28 interviews included at least one description that fit into a mistreatment category. "Failure to meet professional standards of care" was the category with the most mapped clinician statements, followed by "Stigma and discrimination" and "Poor rapport between women and providers." CONCLUSIONS This study contributes new insight into maternity clinicians' conceptualization of patient trauma and how their descriptions of birth trauma overlap with mistreatment. Clinicians implicitly connected mistreatment with some patient experiences of birth trauma, even when they were not specifically asked about mistreatment. Findings point to a need for further research into mistreatment, including routinized "everyday care" that may include mistreatment, particularly for marginalized and historically excluded birthing people. Future research also must explore the potential role of mistreatment in poor and inequitable U.S. birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Salter
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 6135 Public Health Building, 6th Floor Public Health,130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 USA
| | - Kristina Wint
- Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, 1825 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006 USA
| | - Jessica Burke
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 6135 Public Health Building, 6th Floor Public Health,130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 USA
| | - Judy C. Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Internal Medicine, and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 300 Halket St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Patricia Documet
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 6135 Public Health Building, 6th Floor Public Health,130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 USA
| | - Elizabeth Kaselitz
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 6135 Public Health Building, 6th Floor Public Health,130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 USA
| | - Dara Mendez
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, 5130 Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15216 USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fameli AL, Costa DSJ, Coddington R, Hawes DJ. Assessment of childbirth-related post traumatic stress disorder in Australian mothers: Psychometric properties of the City Birth Trauma Scale. J Affect Disord 2023; 324:559-565. [PMID: 36586608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The City Birth Trauma Scale (BiTS; Ayers, Wright & Thornton, 2018) is self-report measure of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms following childbirth, based on DSM-5 criteria. We report on the first study of the psychometric properties of the BiTS in the Australian population. METHODS Participants were mothers of infants aged 0-12 months (N = 705), who completed the BiTS and measures of related constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess the factor structure of the BiTS. Examination of the reliability, convergent, divergent and discriminant validity and acceptability of the BiTS was also examined. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported a bi-factor model of Birth-related Symptoms (BRS) and General Symptoms (GS) of post-partum PTSD as well as a global CB-PTSD factor. Internal consistency was found for the BiTS total scale and two proposed subscales (BRS and GS). BiTS total scores were significantly associated with an established measure of PTSD, providing support for convergent validity. Evidence of discriminant validity was examined by comparing the BiTS to an established measure of postpartum depression. LIMITATIONS The present sample may over-represent participants with traumatic birth experiences in comparison to the general public. Furthermore, use of self-report measures limits the capacity to confirm the diagnostic status of participants. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the BiTS is a valid and reliable measure of childbirth-related PTSD, suited for use in postpartum populations. Total scores on the measure may be informative for clinical and research purposes, while evidence suggests strong support for interpretation of subscale scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel S J Costa
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia; Pain Management Research Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Rebecca Coddington
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Staudt A, Baumann S, Horesh D, Eberhard-Gran M, Horsch A, Garthus-Niegel S. Predictors and comorbidity patterns of maternal birth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms: A Latent Class Analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 320:115038. [PMID: 36603381 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.115038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Birth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) place a significant burden on mothers and their families. The aim was to (1) identify differential profiles of maternal birth-related PTSS; (2) determine the predictive value of established risk factors; (3) examine comorbidity patterns related to depression and anxiety symptoms. As part of the Norwegian Ahus Birth Cohort, 2,088 (expectant) mothers completed self-report questionnaires from 17 weeks of gestation to 2 years postpartum. The Impact of Event Scale was used to assess PTSS 8 weeks after birth. Latent class analysis revealed four latent classes: a High birth-related PTSS class (4%), a Moderate birth-related PTSS class (16%) particularly characterized by endorsement of intrusion symptoms, a Mild birth-related PTSS class (47%), as well as a No birth-related PTSS class (33%). We found similar (younger age, worse subjective birth experience, higher fear of childbirth) and differential predictors (prior posttraumatic stress disorder, lower education, birth complications). Women classified with High, Moderate, or Mild birth-related PTSS showed higher depression and anxiety symptoms compared to women with No birth-related PTSS. A considerable number of mothers experienced birth-related PTSS, most on a subclinical level, but these women still showed signs of mental distress 2 years postpartum, calling for more universal prevention approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Staudt
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Methods in Community Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Sophie Baumann
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Methods in Community Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Danny Horesh
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Malin Eberhard-Gran
- Norwegian Research Centre for Women's Health, Women and Children's Division, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Antje Horsch
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM), Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Digital mental health for postpartum women: perils, pitfalls, and promise. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:11. [PMID: 36702915 PMCID: PMC9879244 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
|
35
|
Tsakmakis PL, Akter S, Bohren MA. A qualitative exploration of women’s and their partners’ experiences of birth trauma in Australia, utilising critical feminist theory. Women Birth 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
36
|
Sjömark J, Svanberg A, Viirman F, Larsson M, Poromaa I, Skalkidou A, Jonsson M, Parling T. Antepartum and labour-related single predictors of non-participation, dropout and lost to follow up in a randomised controlled trial comparing internet-based cognitive-behaviour therapy with treatment as usual for women with negative birth experiences and/or post-traumatic stress following childbirth. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063214. [PMID: 36442895 PMCID: PMC9710351 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Internet-based interventions are often hampered by high dropout rates. The number of individuals who decline to participate or dropout are reported, but reasons for dropout are not. Identification of barriers to participation and predictors of dropout may help improve the efficacy of internet-based clinical trials. The aim was to investigate a large number of possible predictors for non-participation and dropout in a randomised controlled trial for women with a negative birth experience and/or post-traumatic stress following childbirth. SETTING A childbirth clinic at a university hospital in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 1523 women who gave birth between September 2013 and February 2018. All women who rated an overall negative birth experience on a Likert scale, and/or had an immediate caesarean section (CS), and/or severe postpartum haemorrhage (≥ 2000 mL) were eligible. METHODS Demographic, antepartum, and labour-related/postpartum predictors were investigated for non-participation (eligible but denied participation), pre-treatment dropout (prior to intervention start), treatment dropout, and loss to follow-up. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used in the data analysis. RESULTS A majority (80.3 %) were non-participants. Non-participation was predicted by lower level of education, being foreign-born, no experience of counselling for fear of childbirth, multiparity, vaginal delivery (vs CS and vacuum-assisted delivery) and absence of: preeclampsia, anal sphincter injury and intrapartum fetal distress. Pretreatment dropout was predicted by the absence of severe haemorrhage. Treatment dropout was predicted by vaginal delivery (vs immediate CS), vertex presentation and good overall birth experience. Loss to follow-up was predicted by vaginal delivery (vs immediate CS or vacuum-assisted delivery) and absence of intrapartum fetal distress. CONCLUSIONS Mothers with no obstetric complications were more likely to not participate and dropout at different time points. Both demographic, antepartum and obstetrical variables are important to attend to while designing procedures to maximise participation in internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN39318241.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Sjömark
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agneta Svanberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frida Viirman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Margareta Larsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inger Poromaa
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Jonsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Parling
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Heys S, Downe S, McKeown M, Thomson G. The design, delivery and evaluation of 'Human Perspectives VR': An immersive educational programme designed to raise awareness of contributory factors for a traumatic childbirth experience and PTSD. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276263. [PMID: 36322586 PMCID: PMC9629609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A traumatic childbirth experience affects ~30% of women each year, with negative impacts on maternal, infant, and family wellbeing. Women classified as vulnerable or marginalised are those more likely to experience a psychologically traumatising birth. A key contributory factor for a traumatic childbirth experience is women's relationships with maternity care providers. AIMS To develop, design and evaluate an immersive educational programme for maternity care providers to raise awareness of traumatic childbirth experiences amongst vulnerable groups, and ultimately to improve women's experiences of childbirth. METHODS A critical pedagogical approach that utilised virtual reality (VR) underpinned the design and development of the educational programme. This involved: a) collecting vulnerable/disadvantaged women's experiences of birth via interviews; b) analysing data collected to identify key hotspots for traumatic experiences within interpersonal patient-provider relationships to develop a script; c) filming the script with professional actors creating a first person perspective via VR technology; d) using existing literature to inform the theoretical and reflective aspects of the programme; e) conducting an evaluation of the education programme using pre-and post-evaluation questionnaires and a follow-up focus group. FINDINGS Human Perspective VR was very well received. Participants considered the content to have enhanced their reflective practice and increased their knowledge base regarding contributory factors associated with a traumatic childbirth experience. A need for further work to implement learning into practice was highlighted. CONCLUSION While further research is needed to evaluate the impact of the programme, Human Perspective VR programme offers an innovative approach to reflective education and to enhance participants' care practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Heys
- Maternity Learning and Development Lead, Consultant Midwife, The Northwest Ambulance Service, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Soo Downe
- Professor of Midwifery Studies, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Mick McKeown
- Professor of Democratic Mental Health, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Thomson
- Professor of Perinatal Health, The University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Van Sieleghem S, Danckaerts M, Rieken R, Okkerse JME, de Jonge E, Bramer WM, Lambregtse-van den Berg MP. Childbirth related PTSD and its association with infant outcome: A systematic review. Early Hum Dev 2022; 174:105667. [PMID: 36152399 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2022.105667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal postnatal mental health problems may negatively impact child development. Postpartum research has mainly focused on the impact of maternal depression and anxiety due to their high prevalence (13-25 % and 10-18 %, respectively). However, maternal childbirth-related PTSD (CB-PTSD) could be another important risk factor in child development (estimated prevalence: 4.7 %). OBJECTIVE We investigated whether maternal CB-PTSD (symptoms) are associated with a negative mother-child relationship and/or child developmental outcome for children aged 0-5 years. Furthermore, we examined whether maternal trauma-focused therapy can positively impact mother and child outcomes. METHODS We performed a systematic review by searching three databases (Embase, Medline, PsycInfo). Search terms involved: 'birth or delivery modes', 'PTSD psychological trauma', and 'child development or child behavior'. Two independent reviewers evaluated all eligible papers. RESULTS Thirty-five papers (30 samples) were included and qualitatively reported. Results suggest a negative association of maternal CB-PTSD (symptoms) with mother-infant attachment and child behavior. However, confounding factors may explain this association. The evidence on associations with breastfeeding, sleeping, socio-emotional development, and weight gain is insufficient. Research investigating the effect of maternal trauma-focused therapy on a child's outcome is scarce, contradictory, and of low quality. CONCLUSION This systematic review suggests that maternal CB-PTSD may be associated with an increased number of problems in mother-infant attachment and child behavior, but other domains remain scarcely investigated and methodologic issues are present (cross-sectional study design, influence of confounding variables, sample representativeness, diversity in assessment tools). Our results support a multidisciplinary approach to providing early prevention and screening of the maternal mental health state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Van Sieleghem
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPC KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marina Danckaerts
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPC KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rob Rieken
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC - Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M E Okkerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC - Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen de Jonge
- Department of psychiatry, Erasmus MC - Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Wichor M Bramer
- Medical Library, Erasmus MC - Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mijke P Lambregtse-van den Berg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC - Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, the Netherlands; Department of psychiatry, Erasmus MC - Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Benzakour L, Gayet-Ageron A, Jubin M, Suardi F, Pallud C, Lombard FB, Quagliarini B, Epiney M. Traumatic Childbirth and Birth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14246. [PMID: 36361124 PMCID: PMC9655079 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in 4.7% of mothers. No previous study focusing precisely on the stress factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic regarding this important public mental health issue has been conducted. However, the stress load brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic could have influenced this risk. METHODS We aimed to estimate the prevalence of traumatic childbirth and birth-related PTSD and to analyze the risk and protective factors involved, including the risk factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a prospective cohort study of women who delivered at the University Hospitals of Geneva between 25 January 2021 and 10 March 2022 with an assessment within 3 days of delivery and a clinical interview at one month post-partum. RESULTS Among the 254 participants included, 35 (21.1%, 95% CI: 15.1-28.1%) experienced a traumatic childbirth and 15 (9.1%, 95% CI: 5.2-14.6%) developed a birth-related PTSD at one month post-partum according to DSM-5. Known risk factors of birth-related PTSD such as antenatal depression, previous traumatic events, neonatal complications, peritraumatic distress and peritraumatic dissociation were confirmed. Among the factors related to COVID-19, only limited access to prenatal care increased the risk of birth-related PTSD. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the challenges of early mental health screening during the maternity stay when seeking to provide an early intervention and reduce the risk of developing birth-related PTSD. We found a modest influence of stress factors directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic on this risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lamyae Benzakour
- Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angèle Gayet-Ageron
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Health and Community Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Jubin
- Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Suardi
- Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Pallud
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Beatrice Quagliarini
- Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Manuella Epiney
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of the Woman, the Child and the Teenager, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Malaju MT, Alene GD. Longitudinal patterns of the relation between anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder among postpartum women with and without maternal morbidities in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-lagged autoregressive structural equation modelling. Arch Public Health 2022; 80:225. [PMID: 36309711 PMCID: PMC9617360 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-022-00978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The postpartum period is a time where mothers can undergo significant changes that increase vulnerability for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. However, the direct and indirect factors of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and their direction of relationships following childbirth is not well investigated in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the direct and indirect factors of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and their direction of relationships following childbirth. METHODS A total of 775 women consented to participate at the first, second and third follow-up of the study (6th, 12th and 18th week of postpartum period) during October, 2020 - March, 2021. Women were recruited after childbirth and before discharge using the World Health Organization maternal morbidity working group criteria to identify exposed and non-exposed groups. A cross-lagged autoregressive path analysis and linear structural equation modelling were carried out using Stata version 16 software. RESULTS Prevalence rates of anxiety were 18.5%, 15.5% and 8.5% at the 6th, 12th and 18th week of postpartum respectively. The prevalence rates for depression were also found to be 15.5%, 12.9% and 8.6% respectively during the same follow up period and for posttraumatic stress disorder it was found to be 9.7%, 6.8% and 3.5% at the 6th, 12th and 18th week of postpartum respectively. Moreover, anxiety and depression were found to be a causal risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in the postpartum period. Direct maternal morbidity, fear of childbirth, higher gravidity, perceived traumatic childbirth and indirect maternal morbidity were found to have a direct and indirect positive association with depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. In contrast, higher parity, higher family size and higher social support have a direct and indirect negative association. CONCLUSION Postnatal mental health screening, early diagnosis and treatment of maternal morbidities, developing encouraging strategies for social support and providing adequate information about birth procedures and response to mothers' needs during childbirth are essential to improve maternal mental health in the postpartum period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marelign Tilahun Malaju
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.
| | - Getu Degu Alene
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nagle U, Naughton S, Ayers S, Cooley S, Duffy RM, Dikmen-Yildiz P. A survey of perceived traumatic birth experiences in an Irish maternity sample – prevalence, risk factors and follow up. Midwifery 2022; 113:103419. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
42
|
Barut S, Uçar T, Yılmaz AN. Comparison of pregnant women's anxiety, depression and birth satisfaction based, on their traumatic childbirth perceptions. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:2729-2737. [PMID: 35929979 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2106832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify and compare pregnant women's anxiety, depression, and birth satisfaction levels based on their traumatic childbirth perceptions. This study used a cross-sectional design. The data were collected at two stages, namely, the prenatal and postpartum stages. First, the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory were applied to the pregnant women. Next, in the postpartum period, the Childbirth Information Form and the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised were applied. It was found that the participants with high levels of traumatic childbirth perception had higher mean anxiety and depressive symptom scores (26.13 ± 11.30 and 16.16 ± 9.02, respectively), whereas the participants with low levels of traumatic childbirth perception had a higher mean birth satisfaction score (17.50 ± 4.91). The findings indicated that high levels of traumatic childbirth perception may lead to have anxiety and depression, while low levels of traumatic childbirth perception may enhance their birth satisfaction. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? In the literature, it is stated that the perception of a traumatic birth can lead to permanent or long-term negative consequences in women's lives, negatively affecting their future health, subsequent birth experiences, and family relationships.What do the results of this study add? In this study, 37.7% of the participants were found to have high levels of traumatic childbirth perception. It was determined that the anxiety and depression levels of the participants with high levels of perception of traumatic birth were higher, and the levels of birth satisfaction were higher in the pregnant women with low levels of perception of traumatic birth. The results indicated that severe depressive symptoms, severe anxiety, and low levels of birth satisfaction were likely to raise traumatic childbirth perception levels in pregnant women.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The care to be given under the leadership of midwifery professionals is important in terms of reducing pregnant women's perceptions of a traumatic birth, anxiety, and depression levels and increasing their levels of birth satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sümeyye Barut
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Tuba Uçar
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Nur Yılmaz
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fırat University, Elazig, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Orovou E, Dagla M, Eskitzis P, Savvidis GS, Rigas N, Papatrechas A, Sarella A, Arampatzi C, Antoniou E. The Involvement of Past Traumatic Life Events in the Development of Postpartum PTSD after Cesarean Delivery. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1761. [PMID: 36141373 PMCID: PMC9498371 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although childbirth is considered a natural process, a high percentage of postpartum women consider it traumatic. Any previous traumatic event in a woman's life can be revived through a traumatic birth experience, especially after a complicated vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between previous traumatic life events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in postpartum women after cesarean section and which specific events exerted the greatest influence. METHODS A sample of 469 women who had undergone cesarean sections at a Greek university hospital consented to participate in this prospective study. Data from a medical/demographic questionnaire, life events checklist, perinatal stressor criterion A, and posttraumatic stress checklist were used to evaluate past traumatic life events and diagnose postpartum posttraumatic stress. RESULTS Out of 469 women, 25.97% had PTSD and 11.5% a PTSD profile, while 2.7% had PTSD and 2.7% a PTSD profile. Also, it appeared that only specific direct exposure to a traumatic event and/or witnessing one were predictors of postpartum PTSD. CONCLUSIONS This survey identified specific traumatic life events, psychiatric history, stressor perinatal criterion A, preterm birth, and emergency cesarean section as risk factors for the development of PTSD or a PTSD profile in women after cesarean delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Orovou
- Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos 28, 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Maria Dagla
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos 28, 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Eskitzis
- Department of Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Georgios S. Savvidis
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Rigas
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos 28, 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | | | - Angeliki Sarella
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos 28, 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Antoniou
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos 28, 12243 Egaleo, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Malaju MT, Alene GD, Bisetegn TA. Longitudinal path analysis for the directional association of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder with their comorbidities and associated factors among postpartum women in Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-lagged autoregressive modelling study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273176. [PMID: 35969630 PMCID: PMC9377604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vulnerability for depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms due to perceived traumatic birth increase during the postpartum period. Traumatic birth has been defined as an event occurring during labour and birth that may be a serious threat to the life and safety of the mother and/or child. However, the comorbidity and multimorbidity of depression, anxiety and PTSD with their direct and indirect predictors is not well investigated in the postpartum period. In addition, the longitudinal directional association of depression, anxiety and PTSD with their comorbidities is not studied in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of postnatal comorbid and multimorbid anxiety, depression and PTSD. It also aimed to determine the directional association of postnatal anxiety, depression and PTSD with the comorbidity and multimorbidity of these mental health problems over time and to explore the factors that are directly or indirectly associated with comorbidity and multimorbidity of anxiety, depression and PTSD. METHODS A total of 775 women were included at the first, second and third follow-up of the study (6th, 12th and 18th week of postpartum period) during October, 2020 -March, 2021. A cross-lagged autoregressive path analysis was carried out using Stata 16.0 software in order to determine the autoregressive and cross-lagged effects of depression, anxiety and PTSD with their comorbidities. In addition, a linear structural equation modelling was also carried out to determine the direct and indirect effects of independent variables on the comorbidities of depression, anxiety and PTSD. RESULTS Comorbidity of anxiety with depression was the most common (14.5%, 12.1% and 8.1%) at the 6th, 12th and 18th week of postnatal period respectively. With regard to the direction of association, comorbidity of PTSD (due to perceived traumatic birth) with depression, PTSD with anxiety, depression with anxiety and triple comorbidity predicted depression and anxiety in subsequent waves of measurement. Direct and indirect maternal morbidity, fear of childbirth and perceived traumatic childbirth were found to have a direct and indirect positive association with comorbidities of depression, anxiety and PTSD. In contrast, higher parity, higher family size and higher social support had a direct and indirect negative association with these mental health disorders. CONCLUSION Postnatal mental health screening, early diagnosis and treatment of maternal morbidities, developing encouraging strategies for social support and providing adequate information about birth procedures and response to mothers' needs during childbirth are essential to avert comorbidity of anxiety, depression and PTSD in the postpartum period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marelign Tilahun Malaju
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Getu Degu Alene
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale Bisetegn
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ginter N, Takács L, Boon MJM, Verhoeven CJM, Dahlen HG, Peters LL. The Impact of Mode of Birth on Childbirth-Related Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms beyond 6 Months Postpartum: An Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148830. [PMID: 35886682 PMCID: PMC9316477 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: A traumatic birth can lead to the development of childbirth-related posttraumatic stress symptoms or disorder (CB-PTS/D). Literature has identified the risk factors for developing CB-PTS/D within the first six months postpartum thoroughly. However, the impact of mode of birth on CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum is scarcely studied. (2) Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase and CINAHL and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Studies were included if they reported the impact of mode of birth on CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. (3) Results: In total, 26 quantitative and 2 qualitative studies were included. In the quantitative studies the percentage of women with CB-PTS/D ranged from 0.7% to 42% (between six months and five years postpartum). Compared with vaginal birth, operative vaginal birth, and emergency caesarean section were associated with CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum. Qualitative studies revealed that some women were suffering from CB-PTS/D as long as 18 years after birth. (4) Conclusions: Long- term screening of women for PTSD in the postnatal period could be beneficial. More research is needed on models of care that help prevent CB-PTS/D, identifying women at risk and factors that maintain CB-PTS/D beyond 6 months postpartum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ginter
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Medicine, Section Midwifery Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.J.M.B.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Lea Takács
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, 116 42 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Martine J. M. Boon
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Medicine, Section Midwifery Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.J.M.B.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Corine J. M. Verhoeven
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Division of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maxima Medical Centre, 5504 DB Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah G. Dahlen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
| | - Lilian L. Peters
- Department of General Practice & Elderly Medicine, Section Midwifery Science, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; (M.J.M.B.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Midwifery Science, AVAG, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shorey S, Wong PZE. Traumatic Childbirth Experiences of New Parents: A Meta-Synthesis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2022; 23:748-763. [PMID: 33256544 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020977161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Childbirth is usually a joyous occasion. However, a significant proportion of parents experienced traumatic childbirths and suffered post-traumatic consequences, which needs urgent attention. Therefore, this review aimed to explore and understand the traumatic childbirth experiences of parents. A systematic review of qualitative studies was done. The consolidated evidence was meta-summarized and meta-synthesized based on Sandelowski and Barroso's approach for synthesizing qualitative research. Seven electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from each database's inception to April 2020. Retrieved studies were screened using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and 19 studies were included in this review. All included studies were meta-summarized and meta-synthesized. An overarching theme, "traumatic birth: an evolving voyage," with three main themes, (1) "proceedings to traumatic birth," (2) "internal and external battles," and (3) "muddling through to beating the odds," and 10 subthemes were identified. Overall, parents felt fluctuations of emotions that seemed to be never-ending journeys. They expressed that various factors led to their traumatic birth experiences, especially health care providers' dismissive attitudes. Parents commonly reported feelings of powerlessness and fear for the safety of mothers and infants. Their constant battles to overcome traumatic experiences affected some of their relationships. To deal with the trauma, some mothers displayed avoidance behaviors while others relied on social support. As health care providers play important roles in influencing outcomes of childbirth, they should be mindful of the care provided during labors and childbirths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Phyllis Zhi En Wong
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Daily mother-infant skin-to-skin contact and maternal mental health and postpartum healing: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10225. [PMID: 35715486 PMCID: PMC9205929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14148-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a daily hour of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC) during the first five postnatal weeks, compared to care-as-usual, on maternal depressive (primary outcome), anxiety, stress, fatigue, pain, and delivery-related post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Prenatal symptom severity and touch discomfort were examined as moderators. Mothers and full-term infants were randomly allocated to SSC or care-as-usual conditions and followed during the first postnatal year. For the total group (intention-to-treat analyses), care-as-usual mothers showed an increase of anxiety symptoms from week 2 to 12, while SSC mothers displayed a stability of anxiety symptoms. Also, care-as-usual mothers showed an initial decrease in fatigue followed by an increase, while SSC mothers showed a decrease from week 2 to 12. In per-protocol analyses, including only the SSC dyads who adhered to SSC guidelines, findings on anxiety, but not fatigue, were replicated. No SSC effects were found for depressive, stress, and pain symptoms. No moderator, dose-response, or 52-week follow-up effects were found. PTSS were low with little variation; consequently, analyses were discontinued. Daily SSC in healthy mother-infant dyads may reduce anxiety and fatigue symptoms, but not depressive, stress, and pain symptoms, during the early postpartum period. Replication studies are recommended.
Collapse
|
48
|
Padin AC, Stevens NR, Che ML, Erondu IN, Perera MJ, Shalowitz MU. Screening for PTSD during pregnancy: a missed opportunity. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:487. [PMID: 35701731 PMCID: PMC9195376 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04797-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often overlooked in obstetric care, despite evidence that untreated PTSD negatively impacts both mother and baby. OB-GYN clinics commonly screen for depression in pregnant patients; however, prenatal PTSD screening is rare. Although the lack of PTSD screening likely leaves a significant portion of pregnant patients with unaddressed mental health needs, the size of this care gap has not been previously investigated. Methods This retrospective chart review study included data from 1,402 adult, pregnant patients who completed PTSD (PTSD Checklist-2; PCL) and depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Survey; EPDS) screenings during a routine prenatal care visit. Descriptive statistics identified screening rates for PTSD and depression, and logistic regression analyses identified demographic variables associated with screening outcomes and assessed whether screening results (+ PCL/ + EPDS, + PCL/-EPDS, -PCL/ + EPDS, -PCL/-EPDS) were associated with different provider intervention recommendations. Results 11.1% of participants screened positive for PTSD alone, 3.8% for depression alone, and 5.4% for both depression and PTSD. Black (OR = 2.24, 95% CI [1.41,3.54]) and Latinx (OR = 1.64, 95% CI [1.01,2.66]) patients were more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to White patients, while those on public insurance were 1.64 times (95% CI [1.21,2.22]) more likely to screen positive compared to those with private insurance. Patients who screened positive for both depression and PTSD were most likely to receive referrals for behavioral health services (44.6%), followed by -PCL/ + EPDS (32.6%), + PCL/-EPDS (10.5%), and -PCL/-EPDS (3.6%). A similar pattern emerged for psychotropic medication prescriptions. Conclusions Over ten percent of pregnant patients in the current study screened positive for PTSD without depression, highlighting a critical mental health need left unaddressed by current obstetric standards of care. Routine PTSD screening during prenatal care alongside strategies aimed at increasing referral resources and access to mental health services are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avelina C Padin
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Natalie R Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mandy L Che
- College of Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Marisa J Perera
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Madeleine U Shalowitz
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,College of Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Grove L, Roche AI, Doyle R, Stowe ZN, Thomas EBK. ACT-Informed Treatment of Co-morbid Psychiatric Disorders in the Postpartum Period: A Case Report. Clin Case Stud 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/15346501221091273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The literature describing psychological interventions for co-occurring obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is limited. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic intervention that targets functionally avoidant behavior underlying both OCD and PTSD. The current case report describes how an ACT-informed approach to treatment was implemented over 14 sessions to treat co-occurring OCD and PTSD in a 9-months postpartum adult woman. The patient was initially referred to psychotherapy by her psychiatrist and showed high motivation to engage in treatment. This case presentation outlines how the intervention targeted core ACT processes while also incorporating components from both exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) to address the patient’s presenting concerns. Measurements of OCD and PTSD symptom severity, as well as of depressive and anxiety symptoms, over the course of treatment are included. Health-related comorbidities, psychiatric medications, and implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Grove
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anne I. Roche
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rena Doyle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zachary N. Stowe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Emily B. K. Thomas
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kendall-Tackett K, Beck CT. Secondary Traumatic Stress and Moral Injury in Maternity Care Providers: A Narrative and Exploratory Review. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:835811. [PMID: 35602853 PMCID: PMC9114466 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.835811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A significant percentage of maternity providers have experienced secondary traumatic stress following a traumatic birth. Previous studies identified it as an issue, but this literature review is 5–9 years old. In addition, the construct of moral injury has significantly increased our understanding of secondary trauma for military veterans. In the wake of COVID-19, this construct also applies to healthcare providers. Objectives The present article updates these reviews and compares findings for three groups: labor and delivery nurses, midwives, and obstetricians. The second portion of this review re-examines previously published qualitative research to determine whether moral injury might more accurately describe the experiences of maternity personnel. Methods A comprehensive review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsychINFO, and CINAHL was conducted in June 2021 using search terms such as compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, moral injury, labor and delivery, nurses, midwives, and obstetricians. Forty articles were identified, but only 16 focused on secondary trauma or moral injury. Results Secondary trauma is a significant concern affecting at least 25% of maternity staff. However, some countries have very low rates, which correspond to low rates in childbirth-related trauma in mothers. Secondary trauma can lead to several symptoms, including re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognitions, and hyperarousal, which can cause significant impairment. As a result, many providers decide to leave the field in the wake of a traumatic birth. The incidence of moral injury is unknown, but a re-examination of previously published qualitative data suggests that this construct, generally used to describe combat veterans, does describe some of what providers have reported. Acts of omission, i.e., failure to stop the harmful acts of others had long-term negative effects on labor and delivery nurses, consistent with data from military samples. Two possible mediators were proposed: hierarchical and gendered relationships in hospitals and agency of care. Conclusion The effects of traumatic birth on providers can be severe, including possible psychological sequelae, impaired job performance, and leaving the field. Moral injury expands upon the construct of secondary traumatic stress. This construct better describes the experiences of maternity staff in non-primary roles who witness traumatic births and are often haunted by events that they could not prevent, but often question whether they should have.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center Amarillo, Amarillo, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
| | | |
Collapse
|