Citation

Berman Z, Thiel F, Kaimal AJ, Dekel S. Arch. Women Ment. Health 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00737-021-01129-0

PMID

33847820

Abstract

Although childbirth-related posttraumatic stress (CB-PTSD) has received recognition, how sexual assault (SA) history influences obstetrical and traumatic stress outcomes remains unclear. Six hundred eighty-three women provided information about their childbirth and mental health. Obstetric complications and unplanned cesareans were more prevalent among women with SA history. They also had higher rates of probable CB-PTSD and were two times more likely to have premature deliveries than women without SA history. Screening women for history of sexual trauma is warranted to optimize birth outcomes.

Language: en

Keywords

Trauma; Childbirth; Maternal morbidity; Postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder; Preterm delivery; Psychiatric