Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Approximately 9 percent of women experience PTSD in the following weeks, months, or even years after childbirth. Oftentimes, this is caused by a real or perceived danger of being physically harmed or losing one’s life during delivery or postpartum.

Traumas may include:

• Unexpected C-section
• Infant being place in the NICU
• Poor communication or support during delivery
• Physical complications as a result of pregnancy or childbirth

Common symptoms include:

• Distressing flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic event
• Avoidance of symptoms, people, and places associated with the event
• Persistent negative mood
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Feelings of detachment with reality
• Inability to remember certain aspects of the event