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Women face a substantial risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth, also known as postpartum PTSD. It is considered a dangerous period that adversely impacts a mother’s quality of life.
Postpartum PTSD indeed requires adequate preparation and understanding, but is often overlooked– and that’s exactly why our friends at
Pacific Prime Hong Kong are here to talk about the importance of early intervention for postpartum PTSD.
Understanding Postpartum PTSD
- Approximately 10% of women experience postpartum PTSD following a real or perceived traumatic childbirth. These traumas could include:
- Prolapsed cord
- Unplanned C-section
- Use of vacuum or forceps to deliver the baby
- Baby in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Feelings of powerlessness, poor communication and support during the delivery
Note: It can occur even for a normal delivery.
How Does Postpartum PTSD Affect Mothers?
The postpartum period is a particularly trying time for a woman’s mental health, as it features extraordinary personal and social changes as well as several physiological and psychological demands.
Postpartum PTSD can significantly impact the mother both physically and mentally:
Emotional and Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression: Mothers may experience severe anxiety and depression, impacting their daily functioning and emotional well-being.
Intrusive Thoughts: Flashback or intrusive memories of the traumatic birth experience could cause significant distress.
Behavioral Changes
Avoidance: Mothers might avoid interaction with their newborns or refuse necessary medical care.
Obsessive Behaviors: Some mothers might develop obsessive behaviors to cope with heightened stress and anxiety.
Physical Health
Sleep Disturbance: Sleep problems such as insomnia or frequent nightmares happen, exhausting the mother’s mental state.
Hyperarousal: A constant state of being on alert can lead to increased heart rate, sweating, and tension.
Parenting Challenges
Bonding Issues: PTSD can interfere with the mother’s ability to bond with her newborn and affect the child’s emotional and social development.
Handling Issues: It could make handling parenting demands difficult, which leads to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Importance of Treating Postpartum PTSD in Mothers
Postpartum PTSD can adversely affect both mothers and babies, and that’s why it is of paramount importance to seek treatment for PTSD. Proper treatment can:
- Reduce emotional suffering and improve mental health
- Enhance bonding and attachment between mother and baby
- Allow the mother to enjoy parenting fully
- Prevent long-term physical health issues
- Strengthen family relationships
Symptoms of postpartum PTSD are treatable with psychotherapy options such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Women have a high likelihood to live normal lives after treatment without the worry of relapse.
But for early intervention to be possible, mothers need to recognize their symptoms and promptly seek treatment. Securing maternity insurance early is ideal for ensuring a seamless pregnancy experience with a positive outcome for mothers and babies (as you may have to wait around a year for the coverage to take effect, known as the “waiting period”).
Pacific Prime can help you find and compare comprehensive and cost-effective maternity insurance from insurers worldwide. Contact them to get started today!