Examining the connection between perceived stress and post-traumatic stress in women who experienced a traumatic childbirth

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to: (1) explore post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in relation to sociodemographic, obstetric, and childbirth trauma factors; (2) assess the association between perceived stress levels and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms; and (3) analyze how the duration of perceived stress affects post-traumatic stress disorder.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: Data were collected via an online survey, including demographic and obstetric information, traumatic childbirth events, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and perceived stress levels and duration in the postpartum period. The study was conducted with 202 women who self-identified as having experienced a traumatic childbirth.

Results: Post-traumatic stress disorder scores did not differ significantly by most sociodemographic or obstetric factors, but cesarean delivery was linked to higher post-traumatic stress disorder scores compared to vaginal delivery with forceps or vacuum extraction, mediated by increased perceived stress. Perceived stress levels showed a significant positive association with all post-traumatic stress disorder dimensions. Stress duration significantly was related to total post-traumatic stress disorder scores, with longer stress being associated with greater severity of symptoms.

Conclusion: Cesarean delivery and prolonged, elevated stress during childbirth are key risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted postpartum mental health interventions.