A Troubled Post pregnancy life

A large number of women experience difficulty in giving birth. They are often traumatized by this experience, which can sometimes prove to be life threatening. Trauma after a complicated delivery may create a destructive impact on the new mom during post pregnancy life.

Post Traumatic Response (PTR)

There are many factors responsible for birth trauma and it is usually accompanied by shame, blame or guilt. This condition produces post traumatic stress that is similar to that produced in any other traumatic situation that is yet to heal. Post Traumatic Response (PTR) produces aftereffects such as emotional as well as physical ailments, difficulty in bonding with the baby, failed marriages, and a phobia of having more babies.

When Delivery Turns Into A nightmare!

Although a woman might not have a severe case, she may be reported to get recurring nightmares even after years after giving birth, sometime as long as a decade! Some reports show that such women never bond with their child, as they should. Moreover, the interesting fact is that many women who thought they were free of any such symptoms were the most severely traumatized!

It's NOT Postpartum Depression

The symptoms of PTR are similar to that of the typical post traumatic stress disorder. They include nightmares, hyper-vigilance, depression, anxiety, and heightened startle response. In addition to this, there is an upheaval in the sexual relationship with the spouse. In some cases, it might be because of a physical condition such as a fractured pelvis, or a fourth degree peritoneal tears, or other.

The thing to worry is that a large number of such cases are misdiagnosed as postpartum depression. The doctor focuses on symptoms such as fearfulness, anxiety, and depression. Actually, that's what the doctor asks them and that's all the patient has to say - she's anxious, depressed, and fearful. And depression is diagnosed!

It's not possible to diagnose PTR unless the doctor asks the patient the right questions.

Questions Pertaining To PTR

• Has there been a rise in your startle response?
• Do you feel your sense of safety has been damaged?
• Do you avoid going to places or talking to people related to childbirth?
• Do the smells associated with childbirth toss you back to the labor room? (When a patient cannot tolerate to go to the doctor or the hospital where she delivered, or refuse to talk about her delivery, it implies that she is a sufferer of PTR related to childbirth.)
• Do you experience irritability, flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, avoidance, hyper-vigilance, unexplained sadness, mood swings, anger, difficulty in sleeping, numbed emotions, indifference, disconnection from self, baby as well as partner, and a feeling that something is wrong?

It is important to consult a doctor and not let things go their way. If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, then it's time to take professional help. He or she knows best how to cope with PTR.

Your post pregnancy life is never the same again. It's completely a new life. Welcome it with a smile, not trauma!