Document Type
Article
Source Publication Title
Pediatric Nursing
Abstract
This study explored associations between depressive symptoms, violence exposure, and psychological birth trauma (PBT) among 44 adolescents experiencing cesarean births. Within 72 hours postpartum, symptoms of PBT were measured via a subjective rating of the birth experience and the Impact of Event Scale (IES). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale measured depressive symptoms. Single questions assessed violence exposure including child abuse, partner violence, and traumatic life experiences as attribute variables. Adolescents were typically single with an unplanned, first pregnancy. A similar number of adolescents reported a negative or positive birth experience. Correlations between IES scores, parity, depressive symptoms, partner violence, gestational age, and a negative birth appraisal suggested interconnected prenatal vulnerabilities for birth trauma and adverse infant outcomes. Partner violence and depressive symptoms need continuous assessment throughout pregnancy. The potential for continued symptoms and presence of violence beyond discharge requires follow-up and education in pediatric settings at well-baby and routine visits.
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Language
English
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Cheryl Ann and Perez, Christina, "Adolescent Psychological Birth Trauma Following Cesarean Birth" (2015). Nursing Faculty Publications & Presentations. 6.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/nursing_facpubs/6