For many women, childbirth is a joyful and life-changing experience. However, for some, it can be experienced as traumatic, leading to childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While much attention is given to physical recovery after birth, the psychological impact of a traumatic birth is often overlooked.
Childbirth Related PTSD
Childbirth related PTSD can develop when a woman perceives her childbirth experience as involving actual or threatened harm to herself or her baby. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the birth, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and feelings of guilt or shame. Importantly, it is not only medical complications that contribute to trauma. Feeling unheard, losing a sense of control, poor communication from healthcare providers, or feeling unsupported during labour can have a profound psychological impact.
PTSD Factors
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD, including a history of trauma, anxiety or depression during pregnancy, fear of childbirth, emergency obstetric interventions, and limited social or emotional support. A trauma-informed approach to maternity care—one that prioritises respectful communication, informed consent, collaboration, and emotional safety—may play a role in reducing the risk of traumatic birth experiences.
PTSD, recovery is possible
For those who develop PTSD, recovery is possible with appropriate support and evidence-based treatment. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is one effective trauma-focused therapy that can help women process the emotional impact of a traumatic birth. Rather than asking individuals to relive every detail of the event, CPT focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs that may develop after trauma, such as “My body failed me,” “I should have done something differently,” or “I can’t trust anyone to keep me safe.” These beliefs can maintain symptoms of PTSD long after the birth itself.
Through structured cognitive work, CPT helps women examine these “stuck points,” develop more balanced perspectives, and reduce feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and self-blame. As these beliefs shift, many women experience improvements in PTSD symptoms, increased confidence in themselves as parents, and a greater sense of safety and control.
Summary
Recognising that childbirth can be psychologically traumatic is an important step towards improving perinatal mental health care. By increasing awareness, providing trauma-informed maternity services, and ensuring access to effective psychological therapies such as CPT for PTSD, we can better support women in their recovery and help them move forward with confidence and hope.
If you, or someone you love has been affected by traumatic birth, our experienced team of perinatal psychologists can help. Call to make an appointment today (03) 9077 0122, or submit an online booking enquiry www.ccp.net.au. We know trauma therapy.
References:
Horsch, A., Garthus-Niegel, S., Ayers, S., Chandra, P., Hartmann, K., Vaisbuch, E., & Lalor, J. (2024). Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder: definition, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 230(3 Suppl), S1116–S1127. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.09.089
Khsim IEF, Rodríguez MM, Riquelme Gallego B, Caparros-Gonzalez RA, Amezcua-Prieto C. Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after Childbirth: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022 Oct 26;12(11):2598. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12112598. PMID: 36359442; PMCID: PMC9689389.
