Thousands of New Mothers Face Undiagnosed Postpartum PTSD
A University of East Anglia report suggests that tens of thousands of new mothers in the UK may be suffering from undiagnosed postpartum PTSD. Researchers are urging the NHS to improve GP screening processes to better identify and support women experiencing trauma after childbirth.
Why it matters
Addressing maternal mental health is critical to reducing suicide rates and long-term psychological trauma among new mothers.
Tens of thousands of new mums across Britain may be suffering undiagnosed PTSD following childbirth, according to a University of East Anglia report.
The analysis suggests that emotional and psychological trauma following childbirth may go unrecognised or misdiagnosed during postnatal GP consultations, due to multiple contributing factors.
The warning comes after two damning reports into maternity and neonatal services in England from Baroness Amos and Donna Ockenden, and against a growing concern about maternal mental health.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a difficult pregnancy or birth and causes symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and persistent negative thoughts.
Now, the UEA team are urging the NHS to equip GPs with better ways to identify new mothers with PTSD to prevent more women falling through the gaps.
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