
Symptoms
You may suffer from birth trauma or PTSD if:
You are experiencing the trauma again and again through flash backs, nightmares or intrusive thoughts
You are feeling anxious or panicky when you think of the birth
You experience an increase in physical symptoms e.g. IBS
You avoid feeling or memories
You avoid thinking of the trauma because it is too distressing
You avoid activities, places or people that remind you of the birth
You find it hard to remember important parts of your birth
You lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy
You feel disconnected from friends and families
You are unable to express loving feelings towards children, friends or family
You feel no hope
You have no positive thoughts about the future
You are feeling alert all the time
You are feeling on edge
You have difficulty falling and staying asleep
You feel irritable or experience outbursts of anger
You have difficulty in concentrating
You are constantly watching out for danger
You are feeling jumpy all the time
You exhibit self-destructive behaviour or recklessness
What is the difference between birth trauma and postnatal depression (PND)?
Birth trauma and PND can overlap with regard to symptoms. Therefore, some women can be wrongly diagnosed and, hence, wrongly treated. If you believe that you have been misdiagnosed, you should contact your GP.