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. 2001 Jun:178:556-60.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.178.6.556.

Incidence, correlates and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in the pregnancy after stillbirth

P Turton  1 , P Hughes, C D Evans, D Fainman
Affiliations

Incidence, correlates and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in the pregnancy after stillbirth

P Turton et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2001 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Many women may suffer psychological symptoms after stillbirth and in the subsequent pregnancy. Stillbirth has not been demonstrated previously to be a stressor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Aims: To assess incidence, correlates and predictors of PTSD during and after the pregnancy following stillbirth.

Method: A cohort study of pregnant women whose previous pregnancy ended in stillbirth.

Results: PTSD symptoms were prevalent in the pregnancy following stillbirth. Case-level PTSD was associated with depression, state-anxiety and conception occurring closer to loss. Symptoms generally resolved naturally by 1 year post-partum (birth of healthy baby).

Conclusions: Women are vulnerable to PTSD in the pregnancy subsequent to stillbirth, particularly when conception occurs soon after the loss.

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Comment in

  • PTSD and stillbirth.
    Lovett KF. Lovett KF. Br J Psychiatry. 2001 Oct;179:367; author reply 368. doi: 10.1192/bjp.179.4.367-a. Br J Psychiatry. 2001. PMID: 11581120 No abstract available.
  • PTSD and stillbirth.
    Sheehan JD. Sheehan JD. Br J Psychiatry. 2001 Oct;179:368; author reply 368. doi: 10.1192/bjp.179.4.368. Br J Psychiatry. 2001. PMID: 11683151 No abstract available.

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