Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Review

Abstract

Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) is quite common, with long-term adverse impact on mothers and their children. According to various studies, 3% to 45.5% of women perceive their childbirth experience as traumatic, and 3.1% to 43% further develop postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder. PP-PTSD is a relatively new field of study, therefore, there is a need in systematization of the data published on this topic so far. This is a review of studies on risk factors for PP-PTSD, including past traumatic experience, and its negative impact on mother’s mental health and child’s development. Since the society and specialists aim to reduce the prevalence of the disorder, our article also summarizes data on protective factors for PP-PTSD. For example, adequate interaction between laboring women and medical personnel, non-medical labour support, and psychological counseling after traumatic childbirth can significantly reduce the risk for developing PP-PTSD.