The birth trauma earthquake: A qualitative investigation of first-time mothers who perceived their birth as traumatic.

PROBLEM: Pregnancies can be anxiety-provoking, and birth which includes complications or deviations from expectations can be perceived as traumatic.

BACKGROUND

The perception of birth as traumatic is inherently subjective and the salience of aspects contributing to the perception of birth trauma amongst first-time mothers may differ. Further, risk factors have not included the voices of women from minority ethnic backgrounds, who are known to experience higher-levels of discrimination whilst in receipt of healthcare.

AIM: To contribute to the understanding of experiences of birth which are perceived as traumatic by women.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews (N = 16) were undertaken in May-June 2024 with mothers who had perceived their first birth to be traumatic; and analysed using Grounded Theory.

FINDINGS: 'The Birth Trauma Earthquake' theory was comprised of six themes: 'Morbid Fixations'; 'Grieving the Birth They Never Had'; 'Changing Relationships'; 'The 'Hysterical' Labouring Woman'; 'Transactional Care'; and 'Diminishing Their Own Experiences'.

DISCUSSION: Perceiving birth as traumatic was seen as a catalyst for rippling after-effects, with widespread impact both personally, and in their experience of healthcare professionals. Women were observed to have engaged in what may be perceived as maladaptive coping strategies to contain and control the associated shockwaves.

CONCLUSION

Maternity care should be comprehensive and compassionate, fostering resilience in the aftermath of the earthquake, but more importantly prepare and reduce the propensity for it. These findings provide an insight into the lived experience of those who have perceived birth to be traumatic, with implications for informing future methods to prevent and mitigate associated impacts.