Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a more severe reaction to birth trauma. PTSD is a term to describe a number of reactions that can occur in parents who have experienced a traumatic event. This may or may not have been perceived as life threatening at the time.

Many expereinces can cause PTSD. These include a difficult birth, a rapid or quick delivery, physical pain/injury during birth, mental/physical exhaustion through pregnancy and/or the birth, a birth plan that did not go the way you anticipated, or significant or unwanted intervention in the birth.

PTSD symptoms include:

Re-experiencing

Re-experiencing is the most typical symptom of PTSD.

This is when a person involuntarily and vividly relives the traumatic event through:

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Repetitive and distressing images or sensations

• Physical sensations, such as pain, sweating, feeling sick or trembling

Avoidance

• People will avoid the place or a situation where the trauma occurred, or one that reminds them of the traumatic experience

Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal is the consistent feeling of being ‘on edge’ This feeling often leads to:

• Irritability

• Angry outbursts • Sleeping problems (insomnia)

• Difficulty concentrating

Treatment

Disruption to everyday life can be quite marked if you do not receive appropriate help and support, so it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible if you think that you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms. Treatment and support can make a full recovery possible.

More information on PTSD can be found here: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk)