The incidence of post‐traumatic stress disorder following traumatic childbirth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background: Although birth trauma may be a risk factor for postpartum post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), no systematic review regarding the incidence of postpartum PTSD in women with traumatic childbirth has been reported. Objective: To estimate the incidence of PTSD in women following traumatic childbirth by systematically reviewing and synthesizing all available evidence. Search Strategy: Six databases were searched using a combination of related terms for birth trauma and PTSD. Selection Criteria: Cohort and cross‐sectional studies that were related to traumatic childbirth and PTSD were included. Data Collection and Analysis: Two reviewers independently screened potentially relevant studies and extracted key data elements. A series of meta‐analyses were conducted using STATA 17.0 software, with pooled incidence rates estimated using random effects models. Main Results: A total of nine studies were included in this study. The pooled incidence of PTSD after traumatic childbirth was 19.4% (95% confidence interval 11.9%–26.5%). The incidence of PTSD varied with the scales used to assess traumatic birth and PTSD, evaluation times of PTSD after childbirth, and types of study participants. Conclusions: The incidence of PTSD in women with traumatic childbirth is about 19%, higher than the general obstetric population, suggesting that trauma‐related care for them should be enhanced.