Unveiling Posttraumatic Stress Trajectories Following Vaginal Delivery: Implications for Early Identification and Intervention

Highlight

• Approximately 17% of women experience posttraumatic stress symptoms (PSS) related to vaginal delivery within two months postpartum.
• Distinct PSS trajectories were observed: asymptomatic, recovered, emerging, and persistent symptoms.
• Persistent PSS trajectory is associated with younger age, non-European origin, prior psychiatric history, adverse delivery memories, and postpartum anemia.
• Emerging PSS symptoms are linked to obstetric factors such as prior abortions, hospitalization during pregnancy, labor induction, and fatigue, with epidural analgesia showing a protective effect.

Study Background