THE HIDDEN TRAUMA OF CHILDBIRTH
Experts fear that thousands of Scottish mothers are suffering from illness associated with war veterans
THOUSANDS of Scottish mothers are suffering from post - traumatic stress disorder after giving birth, doctors have warned. Figures show almost 3,500 women every year endure serious psychological damage as a result.
Poor pain relief, lack of support and a loss of control over what is happening during childbirth have all been blamed.
Experts believe that some women, like soldiers returning from war, are being crippled by flashbacks that can have a devastating effect on their mental health and seriously damage their relationship with their child.
Research has found that up to 6 per cent of mothers in Scotland suffer PTSD after giving birth. This means that as many as 3,481 women are developing the debilitating condition every year.
Dr Alexander Yellowlees, medical director and consultant psychiatrist at the Priory in Glasgow, said: ‘I have treated several women who have developed
PTSD after giving birth. It sometimes does not initially present as this. They may think they have post-natal depression, but when you start to talk about their experience it can lead to PTSD.
‘As with all people who suffer from PTSD, you believe what is happening could lead to your death. Not many women talk about it, and I think that is why we do not hear about it. Like when soldiers came back from the war and were just expected to get on with it, there is the same mentality here too.’
Colin Howard, executive director of the Manor Hall Centre for Trauma in Stirling, who revealed the data, said: ‘It is quite outstanding, the figures involved. The prevalence is about 1.5 to 6 per cent of mothers.
‘There are a number of factors which can lead to a woman suffering from PTSD after giving birth. There is the lack of control while in labour and the attitude of staff; there could also be inadequate pain relief; or no support from significant others.
‘Sometimes women are experiencing unbearable pain and have no one to help them through it.
‘Historical data can be very important. For example, women who have had a traumatic experience in the past can be more likely to suffer from PTSD after childbirth, especially those who have been sexually abused.
‘A woman who has been sexually abused can be going into labour and may have a male doctor telling them, “Open your legs, that’s a good girl, and push”. This is very likely to trigger fear, which can lead to PTSD.’
One of the most high-profile figures to have suffered PTSD after childbirth is actress and TV presenter Amanda Holden.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge developed the condition after almost dying while giving birth to her daughter Hollie Rose in January 2012. She compared her trauma when her heart stopped for 40 seconds as she haemorrhaged during the Caesarean section to being in a war.
Miss Holden said: ‘I thought seriously about illness and assumed whenever I had a cough it was lung cancer. I’ve had therapy and was told I suffered from PTSD. I assumed that was what people had in Afghanistan and I haven’t fought a war – but maybe I have, in a way.’
Doctors are concerned PTSD is underdiagnosed as new mothers are afraid to reveal their condition and the consequences it is having on their life. As well as damaging the bond between mother and child, it can strain relationships as women lost interest in sex and their partner.
Some experts believe introducing one-to-one care in the labour ward will help reduce the number of women suffering PTSD.
Gillian Smith, director of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Scotland, said: ‘The labour wards are full and so busy. Sometimes women are quite far gone by the time they get to the delivery suite, so their birthing experience won’t be as good as it can be.
‘The relationship between the couple and the midwife is also important. When a woman is in well- established labour and in pain, it’s not the easiest time to foster relationships.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland takes mental health very seriously and conditions presenting in recent mothers are no different.
‘ We have extensive mental health services seeking to help new mothers with any challenge they face. Clearly, prevention where possible is important and the healthcare team, including midwives, is crucial to this.
‘Under this Government, we have more than 1,500 more qualified nurses and midwives in post and the RCM recently said that midwifery staffing levels in the NHS in Scotland appear to be right.’