Birth Trauma and PTSD

Pregnancy and birth are physically and emotionally challenging experiences, even when everything goes as planned. For some women, trauma related to their reproductive journey may affect their mental health and ability to care for themselves or their children. Emotional triggers for trauma may be related to a woman’s painful or confusing past experiences. Other sources of trauma for women include difficult pregnancies, complicated childbirth, infertility, miscarriage and infant loss.

Women undergoing these stressful and traumatic life events may experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Intrusive thoughts
• Intrusive memories

These symptoms can affect your daily life and relationships, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our reproductive psychiatry experts are here to provide the support and resources you need during this challenging time.

What to expect at your first visit

Before your visit, you will be asked to fill out some forms to help us help you better. You will meet with one of our specialists for a mental health assessment. The visit will help us understand your personal situation and symptoms to develop a treatment plan unique to you. Our mental health experts may recommend ongoing therapy, medication for mental health symptoms or both.

We may also provide referrals and coordinate care with specialized psychotherapists throughout the community depending on an individual’s needs.

Our team knows that attending appointments can be challenging during pregnancy and postpartum. For this reason, all our services are available through Telehealth, so you can get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. We accept self-referrals, or your doctor may refer you.

Why you should choose Nebraska Medicine

If you are suffering from symptoms of PTSD due to pregnancy or birth trauma, know that it is not your fault and you are not to blame. Our team of mental health specialists are dedicated to providing support during this phase of a woman’s life journey. We’re here to help reduce your trauma symptoms and put you on a path to healing.

Our mental health specialists provide a comprehensive approach to care. They collaborate with experts across Nebraska Medicine, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and mental health therapists with specialized training in helping women through reproductive stress.