Birth trauma inquiry an important first step in reducing traumatic births, says City expert

The birth trauma inquiry report is an important political step in raising awareness of birth trauma, according to Professor Susan Ayers, Professor of Maternal and Child Health in the School of Health and Psychological Sciences at City, University of London.

The birth trauma inquiry, which was led by the Conservative MP Theo Clarke and Labour MP Rosie Duffield, has called for an overhaul of the UK’s maternity and postnatal care and Professor Ayers gave evidence at the first panel meeting on 5 February.

Professor Ayers also recently led a team of international experts from 33 countries to produce a series of recommendations for practice, policy and research that have the potential to reduce the occurrence of negative birth experiences and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of childbirth.

The practical recommendations in the paper include integrating principles of trauma-informed care across maternity settings and ensuring that women’s rights are respected before, during and after birth. The authors also called for international guidelines to increase awareness of traumatic birth and perinatal mental health problems.

Responding to the publication of the inquiry report, Professor Susan Ayers said:

“I was pleased to be part of the first national inquiry on birth trauma, and the resulting report is an important step in helping to raise awareness of the impact and prevalence of birth trauma, as well as the long-term effects associated with it.

“The birth of a child is usually a positive event, yet pregnancy and birth can involve complications that lead to injury or mortality. For around one in three women labour and birth are traumatic, and one in 25 women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result. Traumatic births usually occur when there are serious medical complications for the woman or baby, or because of poor care and mistreatment.

“Traumatic births and PTSD cause substantial distress and can have long-term impacts on mental health. Women may have flashbacks, nightmares, negative thoughts and mood, such as anger and shame. Preventing traumatic births is therefore a priority for many countries and international organisations.

“Effective strategies to prevent and treat traumatic births are needed, and it is good to see that the government and the NHS have committed to producing a comprehensive strategy for maternity service. The recent report authored by me and a European network of researchers, clinicians and women with experience of traumatic birth from 33 countries put forward recommendations for clinical practice, policy and research. The recommendations were formed on the basis of international consultations and expert consensus.

“Putting these recommendations, and those from the inquiry, into action could potentially reduce traumatic births and improve birth experiences for women and families. Ideally, recommendations need to be part of a broad approach to supporting healthcare staff, women and their partners to ensure birth is a safe and positive experience that supports good mental as well as physical health.”