Beyond birth trauma: A scoping review on childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder and early relational health in the family system.

Abstract

Background: To promote optimal development for families negatively impacted by traumatic birth experiences, research is needed to understand the potentially unique effects of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) symptoms on early relational health (ERH) in the family system.

Objective: To examine the nature and extent of current knowledge on the effect of CB-PTSD on early relational health of the family.

Search strategy: We utilized previously published scoping review framework and followed PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Databases searched included Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Search terms included Boolean strings such as "childbirth-related PTSD" AND "mother-infant relationship", OR "early relational health".

Selection criteria: Eligible articles quantitatively assessed the predictive relationship between CB-PTSD and an early relational health construct and adequately distinguished PTSD symptoms related to childbirth from symptoms related to other traumatic experiences.

Data collection and analysis: Initial search yielded N = 695 records. The final study sample included N = 22 records published from 2007 to 2023. Data were charted and synthesized based on methodological characteristics and main findings.

Main results: Current research specifically examining adverse effects of CB-PTSD symptoms on both the mother-infant relationship and co-parent relational health is limited and has produced conflicting results. Variation in study characteristics and methodology are discussed.

Conclusions: CB-PTSD symptoms may have a significant impact on early relational health, although findings are unclear and vary by methodology used. Clinical relevance of findings related to prevention, screening, and treatment are discussed.