Prevalence of negative birth perception, disaffirmation, perinatal trauma symptoms, and depression among postpartum women

Abstract

Purpose: This study documented new case and estimated annual case prevalence, and relationships among women's negative birth perceptions, provider disaffirmation, perinatal trauma symptoms, and depression at 6-7 months postpartum.

Design and methods: An exploratory investigation of 71 White women (20.8% of the total population) was conducted. CONCLUSIONS. New case prevalence of negative birth perceptions (9.6:100), perinatal trauma symptoms (10.2:100), disaffirmation (8.6:100), and depression (15.7:100) are greater than other prominent high burden diseases. Variables were significantly correlated.

Practice implications: Findings reinforce the need for psychiatric liaison advanced practice nurses caring for childbearing women, including roles for detection/screening, educating professionals in communication, legislative/advocacy for funding, and further research.