Traumatic Childbirth Experiences
A substantial number of women perceive childbirth as traumatic. This study examines mistreatment during childbirth and its effect on the development of post-traumatic stress disorders.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Health Professions
- Institute(s) Midwifery
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration (planned) 01.03.2025 - 31.01.2029
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Stephan Oelhafen
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Project staff
Prof. Dr. Stephan Oelhafen
Prof. Dr. Thomas Berger
Charlotte Möri
Situation
Mistreatment during childbirth is a global phenomenon. However, there are different forms of mistreatment depending on the cultural context of the specific country. The corresponding loss of autonomy and the impairment of bodily integrity represents a violation of human rights. Between 4-6% of women who experience childbirth as traumatic develop a post-traumatic stress disorder. Various perinatal mental disorders influence a woman’s and a child’s long-term physical and mental health as well as infant development, leading to substantial social and economic costs. The absence of a universal understanding of mistreatment during childbirth contributes to the controversial social debate surrounding it. Highlighting the need for better insight into the perception of mistreatment during childbirth from women’s and healthcare professional’s perspectives. Additionally, longitudinal data are needed to study the causal connections between mistreatment and post-traumatic stress disorders, while considering previous traumatic experiences and psychological problems. Based on the results of this mixed-methods study mistreatment during childbirth can be prevented, potentially resulting in a reduction of the development of post-traumatic stress disorders.
Course of action
The mixed-methods approach is based on the implementation of a qualitative study, followed by a subsequent quantitative study. The preceding study involves women who gave birth as well as healthcare professionals (gynaecologists and midwives) from the German, French and Italian speaking parts of Switzerland. Focus group discussions will be held with participants of both groups separately. The aim of the discussions is to elaborate on divergent and consistent perceptions of mistreatment between women and healthcare professionals. Semi-structured interview guides will be used and modified between discussions to reach a broad understanding of the topic at hand. Conversations will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. The following quantitative study includes women who gave birth. Recruitment will combine online and offline methods, ensuring a sample as representative as possible. Participants will answer surveys at four time points over a period of 16 months before and after birth. Enabling longitudinal and therefore, causal analysis of prenatal factors, childbirth experiences, and postnatal mental health. The analysis of complex relationships will be done using structural equation modelling.
