OUR RESEARCH
Labour Beliefs Project

About 13% of new mothers develop postnatal depression, and 2-7% of new mothers develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the birth of a child. To prevent and treat these conditions, it is helpful to know the kinds of things that may make it more likely for a woman to develop postpartum depression and PTSD.

In this study we looked at several factors that we thought might increase the risk for developing symptoms of postnatal depression and PTSD. Specifically, we looked at (1) the tendency to fear the physical sensations of anxiety, (2) prenatal fear of childbirth, (3) invasive medical procedures during labour and delivery, (4) long labour, (5) physical trauma during labour, (6) the baby’s medical condition immediately following the birth, and (7) having an emergency cesarean delivery.

Participants were 127 women experiencing a low-risk pregnancy and expecting their first child. Participants completed questionnaires near the end of pregnancy and again one month following their baby’s birth. Participants’ medical records were used to obtain information about mothers’ and their babies’ health during and after delivery.

We were surprised to find that prenatal fear of childbirth did not predict postnatal symptoms of depression or PTSD. We were also surprised to find that anxiety sensitivity did predict postnatal symptoms of both depression and PTSD. We also found evidence that having an emergency caesarean delivery, a short first stage of labour, a long third stage of labour, and a baby with some health difficulties immediately following the birth predicted postnatal symptoms of post-traumatic disorder. In keeping with earlier research, these variables were not related to postnatal depression.

We hope that the results of this study will contribute to better mental health care for women with young babies.

This study was conducted by Drs. Nichole Fairbrother and Sheila Woody, and was supported by a University of British Columbia Humanities and Social Sciences grant awarded to Dr. Sheila Woody.

Fairbrother, N., & Woody, S. (in press). Fear of childbirth and obstetrical events as predictors of postnatal emotional distress. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.