Condition Birth trauma

Condition Birth trauma

What is birth trauma?

Birth trauma is a mental health problem that can happen after a very upsetting birth, a miscarriage, or when a pregnancy is ended for medical reasons. It is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some people call it postnatal PTSD or perinatal PTSD.

You might:

  • fear getting pregnant or giving birth again
  • have flashbacks or bad dreams about the experience
  • avoid places or people that remind you of it
  • feel numb, sad, guilty, ashamed, or angry
  • find it hard to trust those caring for you or your baby
  • have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or feeling hopeful
  • use alcohol or other unhelpful things to cope
  • have relationship problems or avoiding people or activities that used to be important to you
  • worry a lot and get easily startled

What causes birth trauma?

PTSD is your mind’s response to an experience that was very dangerous, shocking, or frightening, and that has hurt your sense of safety or confidence.

Examples that could cause birth trauma include:

  • miscarriage (losing a baby before 24 weeks)
  • stillbirth (baby dies before birth, from week 24)
  • baby dying after birth (within 28 days)
  • ending a pregnancy for medical reasons
  • serious injury to you or your baby during birth
  • being frightened, in severe pain, or treated badly during birth

Next steps

Step 1. Check out our external support

Browse our recommended external support resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.
Step 2. Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you need further support or have concerns, a Healthcare Professional is here to help. Reach out for professional medical advice tailored to you.
Step 3. View our services

Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.

Managing your health

There are a number of national and local organisations who can support you and help you manage health conditions at home. 

Birth in Mind Service

  • Adults

Help for birth trauma, a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or severe fear of birth in the third trimester of pregnancy.

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Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service

  • Adults

Support for women over 18 who have experienced mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after their baby was born.

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Traumatic Stress Service

  • Adults

Assessments and therapy for adults (18+) to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD with re-experiencing symptoms.

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Forget-Me-Not Service (East Berkshire)

  • Adults

Psychological therapy support for mental health difficulties due to early pregnancy loss or fertility difficulties.

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Talking Therapies

  • Adults

A free and confidential service offering effective treatment for common mental health problems such as low mood, stress or worry.

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External support

Further information on the NHS UK website 

Baby Buddy

An app providing pregnancy and parenting advice.

Birth Trauma Association

Support for parents who have experienced birth trauma.

Cruse Bereavement Support

Support and information to help people experiencing grief.

Make Birth Better

Support for parents and professionals impacted by birth trauma

Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA)

Support for mental health conditions before, during, and after pregnancy.

Mind

Advice and support for people experiencing a mental health problem.

Petals

Counselling for parents following baby loss.

Samaritans

Support for people who are struggling to cope and in times of crisis.

Shout

Urgent mental health support by text.

Tommy's

Support for parents who have experienced baby loss.