Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Diagnoses
Pre and Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are caused by a real and/or perceived traumatic experience/s. One example is birth trauma. Birth trauma can result from any unexpected event such as feeling a loss of control and powerlessness, inadequate communication during delivery, with partner or medical staff, insufficient support, fetal or infant complications, unplanned C-Sections, need for NICU or a deviation from a birth plan.
Common Symptoms
- Sense of detachment
- Increased arousal or being easily startled
- Insomnia
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- Flashbacks and/or nightmares
- Avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, such as people, places, mental images and details of the birth.
Risk Factors
- Any previous trauma(s)
- Adverse childhood events
- Prior Infertility
- Loss and/or termination
- Hemorrhage
- Preeclampsia
- Unexpected hysterectomy or surgeries
- Perineal trauma
- Cardiac complications
Mothers who feel they may be suffering from PTSD are advised to visit the Hevlei Kesher resource directory to find assistance.