Journal article
Beyond birth trauma: A scoping review on childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder and early relational health in the family system
International journal of gynecology and obstetrics, v 169(2), pp 511-524
May 2025
PMID: 39670506
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
To promote optimal development for families negatively impacted by traumatic birth experiences, research is needed to understand the potentially unique effects of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) symptoms on early relational health (ERH) in the family system.
To examine the nature and extent of current knowledge on the effect of CB-PTSD on early relational health of the family.
We utilized previously published scoping review framework and followed PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Databases searched included Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Search terms included Boolean strings such as "childbirth-related PTSD" AND "mother-infant relationship", OR "early relational health".
Eligible articles quantitatively assessed the predictive relationship between CB-PTSD and an early relational health construct and adequately distinguished PTSD symptoms related to childbirth from symptoms related to other traumatic experiences.
Initial search yielded N = 695 records. The final study sample included N = 22 records published from 2007 to 2023. Data were charted and synthesized based on methodological characteristics and main findings.
Current research specifically examining adverse effects of CB-PTSD symptoms on both the mother-infant relationship and co-parent relational health is limited and has produced conflicting results. Variation in study characteristics and methodology are discussed.
CB-PTSD symptoms may have a significant impact on early relational health, although findings are unclear and vary by methodology used. Clinical relevance of findings related to prevention, screening, and treatment are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- Beyond birth trauma: A scoping review on childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder and early relational health in the family system
- Creators
- Sharon Ettinger (Corresponding Author) - Drexel UniversityNicholas J Powers - La Salle UniversityPamela A Geller - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- International journal of gynecology and obstetrics, v 169(2), pp 511-524
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 14
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001375969100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85211634810
- Other Identifier
- 991022005787604721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Obstetrics & Gynecology