Long-Term Effects Of Birth Trauma: What You Should Know
Television shows and movies make pregnancy and childbirth look like sunshine and rainbows. For some individuals, this may be true. For others, this couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth.
Just like many things in life, there isn’t a right or wrong way to go through pregnancy or childbirth. Each person will have their own experience that is unique to them.
Childbirth can bring a lot of happiness and excitement, but it can also bring feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. Unfortunately, when the birthing process deviates from the birth plan you had in place, it can lead to birth trauma.
Here’s what you should know about the long-term effects of birth trauma.
What is Birth Trauma?
Before we dive into the long-term effects of birth trauma, let’s learn more about what exactly birth trauma is. Birth trauma is a type of emotional or psychological trauma or damage that someone can experience during or after childbirth. Birth trauma can have a negative impact on the person actually giving birth as well as the non-birthing partner.
What is the Cause of Birth Trauma?
Birth trauma usually occurs due to the difference between the expectations that you have set for labor and delivery and what actually happens. When it was time for you or your partner to go through the birthing process, either one of you may not have felt supported or heard.
There are a lot of different risk factors that can lead to birth trauma both prior to and during the labor and delivery process. These are some of the most common risk factors that can lead to birth trauma prior to labor and delivery:
Difficulty with former pregnancy
Former stillbirth or complications during pregnancy
Mental health concerns
Not receiving enough pain relief in a previous pregnancy
Pre-existing birthing injuries
Previous sexual or emotional abuse
These are a few of those factors that can occur during the labor and delivery process:
Emotional distress
Feeling unprepared
Lack of respect
Little to no pain relief
Loss of control
Medical intervention
Pain
Stress
Worries about dying during childbirth
What are the Long-term Effects of Birth Trauma?
No matter what type of trauma you experience, it won’t just go away on its own. Birth trauma is no different. If birth trauma is left untreated, it can have a negative impact on other areas of your life.
Behavioral Changes
These are just a few of the different ways that trauma can affect your behavior:
Mood changes
Overeating
Overspending
Substance use or abuse
Emotional Changes
These are just a few of the different ways that trauma can affect your emotions:
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Stress
How to Reduce Your Risk of Birth Trauma
Although birth trauma can’t be prevented, there are things that you can do to try to reduce your risk of experiencing birth trauma. Here are a few of the different ways you can try to reduce your risk of birth trauma.
Educate Yourself
Set yourself up for success by learning as much as you can about pregnancy and childbirth. Read books, listen to podcasts, and talk with your friends and family. You can also attend classes to feel prepped and ready for when it’s time.
Set Realistic Expectations
Your pregnancy and delivery could share similarities with your family members or friends, but it may also be a completely different experience. When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, there are many things that are out of your control. Try to set realistic expectations for yourself during the entire process.
Seek Additional Support
If you have any concerns about your birthing experience before or after your labor and delivery, help is available to you. It’s normal to experience concerns before and after childbirth. We’re here to help. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for trauma therapy.
