Postpartum Depression, Psychological Distress Predicted by Previous Traumatic Birth

A study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that after the birth of a healthy infant, “having a previous traumatic birth” predicted acute maternal stress.[1] The study “Comparative Levels of Psychological Distress, Stress Symptoms, Depression and Anxiety After Childbirth–a Prospective Population-based Study of Mothers and Fathers” was conducted with a cross-section of the a general population to compare parents’ levels of psychological distress and what common factors were associated it.

The subjects were given assessments within four days of the birth, then again at six weeks and six months from the birth. The aim was to compare the levels of distress experienced by fathers versus the mothers, but aside from the outcome that the mother reported significantly more distress than fathers, the study identified categories of women who scored higher than the rest for levels of psychological distress (anxiety and depression among them).

Three factors were identified, but of them, “the effect was strongest for previous traumatic birth,” and was followed by being a single mother and delivering multiples.[2] After six weeks and six months, the subjects’ reporting of the depressive and other symptoms declined to levels reflecting the general population again. These findings are significant for illuminating how events from a prior labor and delivery can resurface even years down the road, and then persist for weeks, even months. Intention has been put into educating women about postpartum depression, but the idea that it can be triggered by a past trauma in a delivery is still little heard, even now, eight years after the publication of this study.  

Women experiencing postpartum depression, or family members or friends who suspect a mother is struggling with it, should not gloss over it and hope it will go away on its own. PPD is a serious condition that could put both the mother and baby in danger. Seek treatment with a doctor or other mental health professional. For an article on treatment options, look for a soon-coming article, “Postpartum Depression: Options for Medicine and Other Treatments.” 

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[1] Skari, H., Skreden, M., Malt, U. F., Dalholt, M, Ostensen, A. Egeland, B. T., & Emblem, R. Comparative Levels of Psychological Distress, Stress Symptoms, Depression and Anxiety After Childbirth–a Prospective Population-based Study of Mothers and Fathers.  British Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, 109(10), 1154-1163. 

[2] Ibid.