Factors Associated with Birth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and the Subsequent Impact of Traumatic Birth on Mother-Infant Relationship Quality.
Behav Sci (Basel)
; 14(9)2024 Sep 12.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39336023
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate factors associated with birth-related PTSD symptoms and the subsequent impact on mother-infant relationship quality, exploring what women felt they needed to be different about their birth process to further understand the problem. Participants were recruited using social media advertising. A multi-method approach, using qualitative and quantitative analyses, was employed. The study included 142 pregnant women residing in Australia aged between 19 and 42 years (M = 31.24; SD = 4.70). High extraversion significantly predicted greater birth-related PTSD symptoms. There was a significant relationship between birth-related PTSD symptoms and poorer mother-infant relationship quality. The content analysis of the responses from women who reported a desire for a different or improved birth experience generated four themes (1) less intrusive intervention, (2) better communication, (3) access to more supportive intervention, and (4) better post-birth care. The findings highlight the importance of supporting women's choices during birth by promoting informed and respectful woman-centred care. Postnatally, the screening and assessment of women should go beyond mood screening and include an assessment of the woman's response to her birth experience.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Behav Sci (Basel)
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia
Country of publication:
Switzerland