Symptoms

You may suffer from birth trauma or PTSD if:

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• 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

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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.