Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder in postpartum mothers and its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Perinatal risk factors and a traumatic delivery experience can contribute to childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of women who met the CB-PTSD diagnostic criteria in the postpartum period of 6 to 12 months and to examine the relationship between this prevalence, perceptions of traumatic birth experiences, and other associated factors. This online, cross-sectional, and analytical study included 402 Turkish women in the 6- to 12-month postpartum period between June 2021 and 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Personal Information Form, the Childbirth Perception Scale, and the City Birth Trauma Scale were used to collect data. Among the participants, 14.9% met the CB-PTSD diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5. Negative perceptions of childbirth, not working, perceptions of low socioeconomic status (SES), living in rural areas, a history of physical/verbal violence, stress during pregnancy, fear of childbirth, preterm delivery, the presence of intrapartum/postpartum maternal problems, and negative attitudes and behaviors of healthcare providers increased the risk of CB-PTSD, whereas early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact after birth decreased the risk (p < 0.05). Intrapartum negative perceptions of childbirth (odds ratio [OR]: 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI), low SES (OR: 0.42; 95% CI), and stress during pregnancy (OR: 2.94; 95% CI) are significant predictors of meeting the CB-PTSD diagnostic criteria. Healthcare providers engaged in perinatal care should provide women with proper care and counseling, and traumatic interventions should be avoided throughout the intrapartum period.