Be guided by your midwife or doctor: Their focus is a safe birth for you and your baby.

Ask your doctor or midwife to recommend a supportive parents group.

Establish a support network: Surround yourself with people who can support you.

Try to keep an open mind: No one can predict what will or won't happen during pregnancy and birth.

Things don't always go to plan and some things are beyond your control.

Try to have realistic expectations: There is no 'right' way to give birth.

Learn about childbirth: Antenatal classes or podcasts, for example, help you know what to expect and your options.

You may have risk factors and experiences that are out of your control, but there are ways to help you psychologically prepare for birth: If you are experiencing any signs of trauma, support and treatment are available.

not receiving enough pain relief in a previous labourīirth trauma can't always be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.previous stillbirth or difficult pregnancy.Risk factors existing prior to the labour and birth include: feeling a loss of control or not being respected.being unprepared for the difficult sensations, emotions and interventions you experienced.experiencing emotional distress or worries that you were going to die.Risk factors during the labour and birth include: There are many factors that can contribute to birth trauma. What are the risk factors for birth trauma? You may find the experience of childbirth emotionally traumatic even when there was no physical trauma. It has been estimated that up to 1 in 3 people who give birth may experience birth trauma. Your trauma is valid, and although everyone experiences trauma differently, it is not uncommon. After the birth, it's possible to feel shocked or numb and this can lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also affect your non-birthing partner.Īt the time of birth, you may have felt unsupported, helpless or unheard. The emotional impact of birth trauma is often due to a difference between your expectation of labour and birth and what actually happened. While trauma can be physical, it may also be emotional or psychological. 'Birth trauma' is a wound or damage experienced during or after childbirth. Related information on Australian websites.What is the emotional impact of birth trauma?.What are the risk factors for birth trauma?.If symptoms are ongoing, speak to your GP about treatment options.Speaking to trusted family and friends as well as professionals can help reduce your risk of developing long term distress.

Acknowledging you have experienced trauma and accepting emotional and practical support, can help.The factors contributing to birth trauma are often out of your control, but preparing for birth can help.Birth trauma refers to the emotional and psychological injury experienced during or after childbirth.

Signs of birth trauma