The association between postpartum depression and maternal-infant attachment is well-established. However, the perinatal period is a time of increased vulnerability to other mental health conditions as well. Prevalence rates of perinatal Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been reported to vary from 0-21% in community samples and 0-43% in high-risk women. Research examining the experience of perinatal onset PTSD is sparse. To provide more comprehensive care, more information on women’s experience of and risk factors for perinatal PTDS is needed. Further exploration of women’s experiences of PTSD can inform clinical practice in caring for women experiencing this phenomenon.
Purpose: In light of varied prevalence rates, poor understanding of risk factors, and limited understanding of attitudes and experiences of women who experience perinatal onset PTSD, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to understand women’s experiences of PTSD in the perinatal period.
Methods: This review was conducted using four health-related databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase. Search terms were aimed at exploring women’s experiences of perinatal onset of PTSD. Authors identified peer reviewed journal articles from a variety of disciplines that were published between 2008 and 2018. A critical appraisal was performed.
Results: A taxonomy of maternal PTSD experiences was developed to further understand this potentially devastating phenomenon.
Conclusion: Published studies on perinatal onset PTSD have design weaknesses and poor understanding of women’s’ experiences of PTSD during the perinatal period. Additional research is needed to examine and develop effective interventions to address PTSD during the perinatal period.
The concept of perinatal PSTD and the impact it can have on maternal-child attachment is highly important to nursing research and practice. As mentioned previously, nursing is uniquely positioned to apply population-based interventions to have the greatest impact on population health. Findings from this study will be relevant to new and soon to be parents, maternity care providers from acute to community-based care, and community stakeholders and agencies. As such, the research findings can influence clinical practice to improve population health in regards to promoting healthy pregnancies, healthy development, and healthy childhood.