Women's experience of psychological birth trauma in China: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The psychological birth trauma is a universal phenomenon in childbearing women. The influences could extend in a wide range, which includes the mothers' health, mother-infant relationship, partner relationship. The medical staff could even choose to quit playing their part in the birthing process. The phenomenon has gradually garnered attention around the world. However, it has rarely been discussed under Chinese special conditions. The study was to explore Chinese women's lived experiences of psychological birth trauma during labor and birth. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Twenty-four women were recruited, who reported having experienced psychological birth trauma. In-depth interviews were conducted within one week after birth. Colaizzi's method was used to analyze the data. Results: Twenty-four women participated in the study. Four themes emerged to describe the women's experience of psychological birth trauma: "How am I supposed to relieve the endless pain?" " Can't I be weak?" "Am I not important?" " What uncertainties are waiting for me?" Conclusions: The findings provide deep insight into Chinese women's unique experience of psychological birth trauma. The social and health system could prevent psychological harm during birth and promote maternal health by measures of pain management, thoughtful attention, adequate caring, and prenatal preparation.

Beyond the Musculoskeletal System: Considering Whole-Systems Readiness for Running Postpartum

“…Supporting women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to return-to-running is particularly relevant given that it is an accessible and cost-effective form of exercise and they are at greater risk of many of the health implications discussed within this clinical commentary. For example, women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have a greater risk of gestational obesity, 97 birth trauma, 98 and postpartum persisting pain 85 than women from higher socioeconomic settings. Other factors contributing to such adverse health outcomes are poor living conditions, overcrowding, and poor nutrition.…”

Emakumeen emozio-zurrunbiloa erditzean

“…Esperientzia hori ona bada, amatasunarekiko eta jaioberriarekiko jarrera positiboarekin erlazionatzen da [6]. Aldiz, negatiboa bada, lotzen da trauma osteko estresarekin, erditze ondorengo depresioarekin [7], hurrengo haurdunaldietan depresioa jasateko arriskuarekin [8] eta zesarea aukeratzeko eskaera handiagoarekin [9], eta horiek etorkizuneko ugalketetako erabakietarako transzendenteak [5] izan daitezke.…”

“…Azken ikerketek erditze-esperientziaren bizipen positiboan edo negatiboan eragina izan dezaketen hainbat faktore aztertu dituzte, hala nola, informazioaren komunikazioa [10], zaintzaileekiko harremana [11][12][13], erabakiak hartzeko parte hartzea [14] eta kontrol-sentsazioa [15]. Faktore horiei lotuta, sentimendu negatiboak ikerlan ugaritan aztertu dira, hala nola, beldurrak [16][17][18] eta erditzeak eragindako trauma psikologikoa [7,19]. Baina sentimendu positiboen ikerketetan gabezia dago.…”