Overview
The goal of this observational study is to learn whether early postpartum screening tools can predict the development of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms in individuals who undergo unplanned cesarean delivery.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Do scores on the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) collected 24-48 hours after delivery predict childbirth-related PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum?
- Do scores on the City Birth Trauma Scale - Short Form (CityBiTS-SF) collected 24-48 hours after delivery predict childbirth-related PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum?
Participants will:
- Complete questionnaires within 24-48 hours after delivery, including the PDI, CityBiTS-SF, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
- Complete follow-up questionnaires at 6 weeks and 3 months postpartum, including measures of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, PCL-5) and depressive symptoms.
Researchers will evaluate whether early screening scores are associated with later symptoms of childbirth-related PTSD and postpartum depression, and will assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing routine inpatient screening for psychological birth trauma.
Description
Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is increasingly recognized as a contributor to maternal morbidity and is more common among individuals who undergo unplanned cesarean delivery. Early identification of individuals at risk for CB-PTSD could allow timely referral to mental health support; however, screening for psychological birth trauma is not routinely performed in the immediate postpartum period.
This prospective observational cohort study will evaluate whether early postpartum screening tools can predict later PTSD symptoms following unplanned cesarean delivery. Participants will complete the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI), the City Birth Trauma Scale - Short Form (CityBiTS-SF), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) within 24-48 hours postpartum. Follow-up surveys at 6 weeks and 3 months postpartum will assess PTSD symptoms using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and depressive symptoms using the EPDS.
The primary objective is to determine whether early postpartum screening scores on the PDI and CityBiTS-SF predict childbirth-related PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary analyses will evaluate diagnostic performance of these tools, associations with postpartum depressive symptoms, and the feasibility of implementing routine postpartum screening for psychological birth trauma.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥19 years
- Underwent unplanned cesarean delivery
- Able to provide informed consent
- Able to read and understand English questionnaires
Exclusion Criteria:
- Fetal or neonatal demise
- Unable to complete study questionnaires or provide informed consent
