Incidence, correlates and predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder in the pregnancy after stillbirth
- 1 June 2001
- journal article
- Published by Royal College of Psychiatrists in The British Journal of Psychiatry
- Vol. 178 (6), 556-560
- https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.178.6.556
Abstract
Background Many women may suffer psychological symptoms after stillbirth and in the subsequent pregnancy. Stillbirth has not been demonstrated previously to be a stressor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aims To assess incidence, correlates and predictors of PTSD during and after the pregnancy following stillbirth. Method A cohort study of pregnant women whose previous pregnancy ended in stillbirth. Results PTSD symptoms were prevalent in the pregnancy following stillbirth. Case-level PTSD was associated with depression, state-anxiety and conception occurring closer to loss. Symptomsgenerally resolved naturally by 1 year postpartum (birth of healthy baby). Conclusions Women are vulnerabe to PTSD in the pregnancy subsequent to stillbirth, particularly when conception occurs soon after the loss.Keywords
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