Emotions and support needs following a distressing birth: Scoping study with pregnant multigravida women in North West England

Abstract

Objective: To identify the emotional and support needs of pregnant multigravida women who have experienced adverse responses associated with a previous childbirth experience.

Setting: Four maternity hospitals in North-West England.

Design: 100 surveys were distributed at an anomaly scan clinic in each of four maternity hospitals (total n=400). The survey included an adapted version of a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale to explore trauma responses at two broad time points: a) following a previous birth and b) during the current pregnancy. Participants were also asked about the optimal time to receive support post-birth, and the type and provider of support they had accessed/would have liked to access. Descriptive and inferential statistics were undertaken on the quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed using a basic thematic approach.

Participants: Multigravida pregnant women aged 18+ years.
Findings: The overall response rate was 28% (n=112); 43% (n=46) of these had experienced negative/trauma responses associated with a previous birth, 74% of whom (n=34) continued/re-experienced adverse responses in their current pregnancy. Most commonly reported trauma responses were difficulties in recalling the previous birth(s), avoiding memories associated with it, and the distress associated with these memories when they were recalled. Approximately 54% (n=25) had received some form of support post-birth, and variations in preferred timing of postnatal support provision were reported. Information on available support and opportunities to discuss the birth with a maternity professional were identified most frequently as preferred support options.

Conclusion & Implications for Practice: Women’s views about what might work should form the basis for effectiveness studies in this area. Among the participants in this study there was evidence of unmet support needs relating to negative or traumatic responses to a previous birth. The range of preferred timing and types of support indicate that flexible needs-based support options should be provided. Further research should assess if these findings are reinforced in a more diverse sample with a higher response rate.