Healthy Mom

Find out if you have Postpartum Trauma

This test reports on a new mother's risk for Postpartum Trauma. It's quick, free, and you’ll get your confidential results instantly.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Anemia Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Anemia.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Severe Morning Sickness Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Severe Morning Sickness.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Anxiety Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Prenatal Anxiety.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Depression Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Prenatal Depression.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Gestational Hypertension Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Gestational Hypertension.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Gestational Diabetes Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Gestational Diabetes.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Pelvic Girdle Pain Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Pelvic Girdle Pain (also known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction).

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Prenatal Sleep Disorder Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Prenatal Sleep Disorder.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Infections Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Infections.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Thyroiditis Test

This test reports on a postpartum mother's risk for Postpartum Thyroiditis.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester, Post-Birth

Breast Infection Test

This test reports on a new or expectant mother's risk for Breast Infection (also known as Mastitis).

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Anxiety Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Anxiety.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Depression Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Depression.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Sleep Disorder Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Sleep Disorder.

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Post-Birth

Diastasis Recti Test

This test reports on a new mother's risk for Diastasis Recti.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Preeclampsia Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Preeclampsia.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Preeclampsia Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Preeclampsia.

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2nd, 3rd Trimester

Obstetric Cholestasis Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Obstetric Cholestasis.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Deep Vein Thrombosis Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Cardiomyopathy Test

This test reports on a new mother's risk for Postpartum Cardiomyopathy.

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1st, 2nd, 3rd Trimester

Pregnancy-related OCD Test

This test reports on an expectant mother's risk for Pregnancy-related OCD.

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Post-Birth

Postpartum Psychosis Test

This test reports on an new mother's risk for Postpartum Psychosis.

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Symptoms & Causes

Postpartum trauma is a significant mental health condition that can affect women after childbirth. It encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological responses to traumatic experiences during labor and delivery. Understanding the symptoms and causes of postpartum trauma is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.

Symptoms

Postpartum trauma can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

  • Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, or nightmares.
  • Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from reality, emotionally numb, or unable to connect with the baby or loved ones.
  • Hyperarousal: Increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled or on edge.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the mother of the traumatic event.
  • Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Intense anxiety, panic attacks, and feelings of impending doom.
  • Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
  • Physical Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other physical symptoms related to stress.
  • Difficulty Bonding: Struggling to bond with the baby or feeling disconnected from the baby.
  • Guilt and Shame: Intense feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame related to the traumatic event.

Causes

The causes of postpartum trauma are multifaceted and can involve a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. Common causes include:

  • Traumatic Birth Experience: A difficult, prolonged, or emergency labor and delivery can contribute to trauma. This includes situations like unexpected C-sections, severe pain, or medical complications.
  • Loss of Control: Feeling powerless or out of control during labor and delivery can lead to trauma.
  • Lack of Support: Insufficient emotional or physical support from healthcare providers, family, or partners during childbirth can contribute to feelings of trauma.
  • Medical Interventions: Invasive medical procedures or interventions, such as forceps delivery or episiotomy, can be traumatic.
  • Fear for Baby's Health: Concerns about the baby's health or survival during delivery can cause significant stress and trauma.
  • Preexisting Mental Health Conditions: A history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions can increase the risk of postpartum trauma.
  • Personal History of Trauma: Previous traumatic experiences, including childhood trauma or abuse, can make a woman more susceptible to postpartum trauma.

Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the potential causes of postpartum trauma can help new mothers and their families seek prompt medical attention and receive the support they need. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum trauma, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider to ensure a healthy recovery.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Postpartum trauma is a serious mental health condition that can occur after childbirth. It can significantly impact a mother’s emotional well-being and her ability to care for her baby. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for recovery.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing postpartum trauma involves several steps:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will review the patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
  • Psychiatric Evaluation: A mental health professional will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess the severity of symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
  • Screening Tools: Various screening tools, such as the Postpartum PTSD Questionnaire (PPQ) or the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), can help identify symptoms of postpartum trauma.
  • Observation and Interviews: In-depth interviews with the mother and her family can provide insights into the traumatic experience and its impact on her mental health.

Treatment

Treating postpartum trauma requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medical intervention and supportive care. Treatment options include:

  • Psychotherapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help mothers process their traumatic experiences, develop coping strategies, and improve their emotional well-being.
  • Support Groups: Joining a support group for new mothers who have experienced trauma can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing experiences with others who understand can be very beneficial.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Encouraging a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of trauma.
  • Self-Care: Taking time for self-care activities, such as relaxing, engaging in hobbies, and seeking help with childcare, can alleviate stress and improve mental health.
  • Education and Awareness: Educating mothers and their families about postpartum trauma can help them recognize symptoms early and seek timely help.
  • Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy can help improve communication, provide support, and address any relationship issues that may have arisen as a result of the trauma.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing postpartum trauma and ensuring a healthy recovery for both the mother and her baby. If you suspect you or someone you know may be experiencing postpartum trauma, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider to receive the necessary support and care.

When to Seek Treatment

Postpartum trauma is a serious condition that requires timely medical intervention. New mothers and their families should be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek treatment promptly if they suspect postpartum trauma. Here are some key indicators that it’s time to consult a healthcare provider:

  • Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks, or nightmares.
  • Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from reality, emotionally numb, or unable to connect with the baby or loved ones.
  • Hyperarousal: Increased irritability, difficulty sleeping, and being easily startled or on edge.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the mother of the traumatic event.
  • Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Intense anxiety, panic attacks, and feelings of impending doom.
  • Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
  • Physical Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other physical symptoms related to stress.
  • Difficulty Bonding: Struggling to bond with the baby or feeling disconnected from the baby.
  • Guilt and Shame: Intense feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame related to the traumatic event.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms after childbirth, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing postpartum trauma and ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and her baby. Contact a healthcare provider right away if you suspect postpartum trauma.