Months after a challenging delivery, a new mother named Sarah began experiencing vivid flashbacks to her hospital experience during labor. Here’s how she sought help for her P-PTSD and how she’s coping as she prepares for her second child.
Six months after welcoming her son, Sarah walked into a fitness center in Gilbert, Arizona, ready for a high-intensity interval training workout. Recently relocated from San Diego, she and her family were eager to embrace their new life.
As Sarah strapped on a heart rate monitor, the numbers triggered a wave of memories from her delivery day. Suddenly, she was back in May 2018, in the hospital recovery room with her mother and husband. The moment her blood pressure skyrocketed to an alarming 190/110 came rushing back—a frightening reminder of her traumatic birth experience.
Now, nearly three years later, she reflects on being among the 3 to 16 percent of women who suffer from postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (P-PTSD), a condition that can emerge after a traumatic pregnancy, labor, or postpartum experience.
Initial Warning Signs
Without the support of her mother, Sarah believes she might not have made it through that difficult time. Though she had scheduled an elective induction at 39 weeks, it was mainly because she wanted her mother by her side for the birth. Understanding her mental health needs became crucial in her recovery.
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Summary
Navigating P-PTSD after a traumatic birth experience can be challenging, but support systems and resources are available. Seek out communities like Make a Mom and educate yourself through trusted articles to help manage your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum.