No matter how long ago you experienced a traumatic situation or how serious other people find it to be, your feelings are valid. 1 out of 10 women will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point during her life. PTSD is a condition characterised by the persistence of symptoms resulted by traumatic events.
Studies have shown that most mothers-to-be experience a decrease in PTSD symptoms, and that a strong support network can have a positive impact on protecting them from experiencing worsening of the symptomatology. Professional help combined with the support and understanding of the partner and loved ones can make a real difference on the expectant mother’s wellbeing. Nevertheless, around 25% of women who struggle with this condition have a significant rise in the intensity of symptoms.
Some of the events that may result in PTSD are:
- Sexual abuse
- Natural disaster
- War and combat
- Serious health problems
- Childhood abuse
- Physical or psychological torture
- Severe accidents
Pregnancy can be especially tough for women who have PTSD related to experiences of sexual and childhood abuse, making medical appointments and thinking about the future triggers. You should communicate to your healthcare provider about these issues upon meeting. By getting to know your background, they will be able to make adjustments, better understand your needs and advise you properly. Even though the majority of women do not experience a rise in symptoms, the unique physical and psychological changes that happen during this period are believed to be responsible for what happens to 25% of them.
How to identify PTSD
After a traumatic event it is normal to experience intense feelings of stress, fear and overwhelm. You should never feel guilty for how long it takes for you to heal. Nevertheless, when intense symptoms last longer than a month, it is essential to get medical assistance. Leaving PTSD untreated can result in severe worsening of the symptoms or even a mental health emergency.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Flashbacks of the event
- Insomnia
- Extreme feeling of shame or guilt
- Anger outbursts
- Avoiding people and places that remind you of the event
- Concentration problems
- Nightmares about the event
- Feeling of detachment
Treatment
When it comes to treating PTSD there are a few options available. However, it is always important to inform your healthcare provider, to make sure the treatment will be safe for both you and your baby. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, treatments such as exploration therapy is only recommended during a crisis. Diving deep into details of the traumatic event may only trigger more anxiety. Right now, it is important for you to feel safe and learn how to cope with the symptoms you are experiencing with the help of professionals, your partner and loved ones.
References:
- MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health. (2018, July 11). Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Pregnancy - MGH CWMH. https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-pregnancy/.
- NHS website. (2021, February 24). Causes - Post-traumatic stress disorder. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/causes/.
- Pregnancy and PTSD: Surprising findings could help moms-to-be at risk | Michigan Medicine. (2016, February 10). Michigan Medicine. https://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201602/pregnancy-and-ptsd-surprising-findings-could-help-moms-be.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and causes. (2018, July 6). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967