Un problema silencioso entre las madres primerizas
In the United Kingdom, a significant number of first-time mothers may be unknowingly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth, a condition that could adversely affect their long-term physical and mental health. This alarming conclusion stems from a study conducted by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA), who highlight that the issue often goes unnoticed during postnatal consultations due to a lack of proper tools and training among primary care physicians.
The researchers scrutinised publicly available data regarding the number of births, the prevalence of PTSD among mothers, and mental health records documented during the recommended six-week postnatal check-ups. Findings suggest that between 5% and 5.9% of women who experience childbirth may develop PTSD. Moreover, it was revealed that less than half of these mothers receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate specialised care from the National Health Service (NHS).
Statistics that reveal the extent of the issue
Dr Megan Foreman, a general practitioner at the Norwich Medical School at UEA and the lead author of the study, emphasised the seriousness of the situation by referencing birth statistics from England and Wales for 2025. Last year, approximately 585,396 births were recorded in these nations. Applying the estimated 5% prevalence rate of PTSD as indicated by the studies, it is projected that around 29,269 women may have developed the disorder. This figure does not account for women who experienced miscarriage or the loss of a baby either during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.
After adjusting for the percentage of women who receive an appropriate diagnosis and specialised care, Dr Foreman estimates that over 15,000 women in the UK could be living with undiagnosed PTSD, lacking the necessary support. She warns, however, that the actual number of cases could reach “tens of thousands” due to various contributing factors.
Understanding the complexities of PTSD
The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, explains that PTSD can develop after a traumatic experience perceived by the mother, which may include medical complications during pregnancy, interventions during childbirth, or emergency situations. Interestingly, it may also occur following an uncomplicated pregnancy or delivery.
Symptoms of the disorder can manifest as intrusive memories, nightmares, anxiety, and persistent negative thoughts. While these symptoms may appear straightforward to identify, the authors note that they can easily be mistaken for other conditions, such as postnatal depression, leading to misdiagnosis and subsequent delays in receiving adequate treatment.
Dr Foreman articulates the core issue: “Primary care physicians, in practice, are ‘diagnosing blind’ as they lack the information and tools necessary to conduct appropriate assessments.”
The serious consequences of misdiagnosis
The analysis indicates that despite national guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) addressing obstetric trauma, primary care doctors do not receive practical training to assess risk, gauge the severity of the disorder, or determine which patients require specialised treatment. Dr Foreman also points out that “general practitioners face increasing pressure, staff shortages, and limited appointment times, despite being the primary gateway to specialised mental health services for new mothers.”
The authors caution that misdiagnosed or inadequately treated PTSD cases can have far-reaching repercussions on mothers’ well-being and their interactions with healthcare services. Additionally, these misdiagnoses may influence decision-making in subsequent pregnancies.
Impacts on future pregnancies and mental health
Some women suffering from this trauma may experience such intense levels of anxiety that they continuously seek medical advice regarding their health and that of their babies. Conversely, other mothers with PTSD may completely avoid any medical interventions, even during future pregnancies. “They may request elective cesarean sections later in pregnancy to regain a sense of control, or they might decline recommended medical care, opting for home births—even in high-risk situations—to avoid interventions associated with their previous experiences,” Dr Foreman highlighted.
From 2021 to 2023, suicide remained the leading cause of death among women in the UK during the first year following childbirth. In this context, researchers stress the urgent need for health authorities to develop clear guidelines and practical mechanisms to accurately identify PTSD symptoms during initial routine postnatal consultations.
Improving support for mothers
Furthermore, there is a pressing need to enhance primary care physicians’ training regarding the condition, raise awareness through dedicated campaigns, and establish better pathways for directing affected mothers to specialised services. “General practitioners are in a unique position to spot warning signs. However, without improved data and practical tools, many mothers suffering from childbirth-related PTSD risk facing their struggles alone, without the support they require,” concluded Dr Foreman.