Oct 1, 2008 7:19 pm US/Eastern
A Complicated Childbirth Can Trigger PTSD
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
-
-
When we hear about post-traumatic stress disorder, images of soldiers returning from war or victims of abuse come to mind. Few realize it can also be triggered by a long or complicated childbirth. (File photo)
The DeRusha Family
When we hear about post-traumatic stress disorder, images of soldiers returning from war or victims of abuse come to mind. Few realize it can also be triggered by a long or complicated childbirth.
Now, moms and medical experts want to spread the word so women can get help.
Jodi Kluchar still remembers the intense pain and fear she felt after a complicated emergency c-section several years ago.
"I was surprised to be awake because I thought I was going to die," she tells CBS 2.
Kluchar gave birth to a healthy baby boy, but nightmares and flashbacks of the delivery terrified her.
"I would cry all the time. I was just empty," she admits.
When she became pregnant again, she decided she needed help. She was diagnosed – not with post-partum depression – but with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
It's triggered when a mother perceives that her life or her child's life is in danger.
"During labor and delivery they feel a lack of control," says Cheryl Beck, a birth trauma expert.
A recent study says up to 9 percent of mothers experience PTSD from birth trauma. But medical charges often indicate a completely "normal" birth.
"A traumatic childbirth is also in the eye of the beholder," says Beck.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, and avoidance.
"The person is avoiding any memories or any triggers of the trauma, whether it be the hospital, the doctors, and sometimes even the baby," says Dr. Sue Varma of the American Psychiatric Association.
Kluchar was unable to bond with her son because she was haunted by thoughts of hurting him and herself. By the time she gave birth to her daughter, her symptoms were under control.
"I've been in the deep, dark pit that I never wanted to be in and I've made it to the other side," says Kluchar.
A healthy diet and 30 minutes of exercise daily helps reduce the symptoms of PTSD and other post-partum anxiety disorders. But the cornerstone of a good recovery is recognizing the symptoms and being diagnosed early.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments