A new study published in the journal Pregnancy has found that people who undergo an unscheduled cesarean delivery are at significantly higher risk of experiencing acute stress during childbirth compared to those who deliver vaginally.
Individuals with high-risk pregnancies, including those with fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), face a significantly increased risk of unscheduled cesarean deliveries.
The researchers followed more than 1,100 individuals who gave birth at Massachusetts General Hospital and assessed their psychological responses shortly after delivery. They found that approximately 25 percent of those who underwent an unplanned cesarean section met criteria for clinically significant acute stress, compared with about 6 percent of those who delivered vaginally. Acute stress symptoms included intense fear, emotional distress, dissociation and intrusive thoughts related to the birth experience.
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Notably, the elevated risk persisted even after researchers accounted for medical complications, prior history of trauma and existing mental health conditions.
What’s more, follow-up assessments showed the effects lasted beyond delivery. Individuals who experienced acute stress in the immediate postpartum period were also more likely to report post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression and bonding difficulties with their infant in the weeks that followed.
The study authors emphasize that unscheduled cesarean delivery can be a lifesaving procedure to both the mother and fetus. However, at the same time, unplanned surgical deliveries carry a significant emotional burden that warrants further research and attention.
“Our findings provide evidence for an associated increased risk of psychological traumatization among patients who undergo unscheduled CD [cesarean delivery], with consequences for maternal mental health,” the study authors concluded. “…Patient and provider education is an essential first step that should facilitate implementation of trauma-informed screening, early intervention strategies, and systemic policy reforms.”
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