The correlation between postpartum stress disorder and maternal anxiety in different types of delivery (vaginal and cesarean section)

Abstract

Aim: Post-traumatic stress disorder refers to a person's experience of a traumatic event. Traumatic experiences during childbirth can cause postpartum stress in some women. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between postpartum stress disorder in different types of delivery (normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section) and maternal anxiety. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 714 pregnant mothers selected via cluster sampling six-eight weeks after their delivery in selected health centers. The data were collected using Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale I and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The data were then entered into the SPSS 20 software and were analyzed using a chi-square test. The significance level was set as p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that most of the participants in the two groups had medium to low anxiety levels, and the two groups were homogeneous in this regard. However, the mean scores of obvious anxiety (p < 0.0001) and hidden anxiety (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the normal vaginal delivery group compared to the cesarean section group. Moreover, post-traumatic stress score was significantly correlated to both obvious anxiety and hidden anxiety in the two study groups. Conclusion: Postpartum stress disorder had a positive relationship with obvious anxiety and hidden anxiety in both study groups. Counseling may be effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder in women.

The relationship between anxiety levels in facing childbirth and sleep quality among pregnant women in third trimester (Field study at Lulu’s Independent Midwifery Practice Surabaya in 2023)

“…These results are in line with research which found that the mean score of obvious anxiety and hidden anxiety were significantly higher in the group of pregnant women who had normal vaginal birth compared to the group of pregnant women with cesarean section [22]. However, another study stated differently, that type of previous delivery whether vaginal delivery or caesarean section did not affect anxiety about the current pregnancy and birth [23]. A negative birth experience or previous operative delivery is the strongest predictor of fear of childbirth in multiparous women [24] where pregnant women's mean anxiety score correlates with fear of childbirth [25].…”

Maternal Stress: Not Just a Mental Illness, but Also a Health Hazard

“…Like any surgery, a cesarean section carries certain risks for both the mother and the newborn. According to an study conducted in Iran on a sample of 714 mothers, there was no statistically signi cant difference in stress levels between mothers who had vaginal delivery and those who had a cesarean section [9]. The lowest total maternal stress experience score, however, was found speci cally among mothers who delivered naturally by vaginal delivery.…”