Post-traumatic stress disorder following obstetric/gynaecological procedures

Abstract

This article describes a study on the psychological stress associated with vaginal examinations. The findings challenge current medical and midwifery working practices in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Emotion work in midwifery: a review of current knowledge

“…The significance of the midwife in determining the quality of childbirth experiences cannot be overstated. Increasingly, women are being diagnosed as suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder following negative experiences (Allott 1996, Menage 1996). Although this implies that serious consideration is now being given to these issues, it could be argued that acknowledging their seriousness will be of little value if the focus is on pathology and treatment.…”

Potential excess of vaginal examinations during the management of labor: frequency and associated factors in 13 Peruvian hospitals

“…Although a higher number of VE has not been clearly associated with an increased risk of infection or fever [5, 8–10], it has been associated with pain, discomfort, embarrassment [3, 11], dissatisfaction with intrapartum care [12], and posttraumatic stress syndrome [13, 14]. Therefore, according to the recommendations provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of VE performed during labor should be limited to what is strictly necessary and should be performed to confirm the beginning of labor and every 4 hrs to identify prolonged labor [15].…”

Evaluation of One‐to‐One Midwifery: Women's Responses to Care

“…Similarly, interventions about which they feel uncertain or unhappy may be rationalized as ''for the good of the baby'' due to a desire to see the services as essentially trustworthy, concerned with safety, and working in their interests. Research on post-traumatic stress disorder suggests that this may be the case even when women are suffering serious psychological consequences of a difficult birth experience (35).…”