Title of Research
The Effects of Rape Trauma and PTSD on the Childbirth Process
Start Date
18-6-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
18-6-2019 11:00 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Sexual trauma, including rape and childhood sexual abuse, takes a toll on the survivor emotionally and physically. With the invasive procedures, physical exposure and feelings of loss of control related to childbirth, the survivor may become triggered and become retraumatized. Through an integrative literature review, the effects of rape trauma and PTSD on the childbirth process were identified.
Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the effects of rape trauma and PTSD on the childbirth process. Through determining the effects, a greater understanding will be gained on how to best approach a situation with an obstetric patient who has experienced sexual trauma to decrease retraumatization.
Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted. The literature was analyzed and categorized to find related themes among survivors of sexual trauma and the birthing process. The data was collected though life sciences, biomedical, nursing, and psychology databases through the DePaul University Library and was analyzed through a qualitative approach.
Findings/Results: The analysis revealed that women who have a history of sexual trauma may have a more difficult time physically and emotionally during childbirth and have an increased chance of a prolonged second stage of labor, use of forceps or vacuum delivery, cesarean section, retraumatization and PTSD as well as fear around the childbirth process.
Conclusion: Through recognizing the emotional and physical aspects from evidence-based practice that can retraumatize a woman during childbirth, healthcare personnel are able to provide the most compassionate and holistic care while providing effective care. Screening obstetric patients for sexual trauma prior to delivery will allow healthcare personnel to adjust treatment in a way to best care for the woman through the process of childbirth.
Included in
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Nursing Midwifery Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons
The Effects of Rape Trauma and PTSD on the Childbirth Process
Abstract
Background: Sexual trauma, including rape and childhood sexual abuse, takes a toll on the survivor emotionally and physically. With the invasive procedures, physical exposure and feelings of loss of control related to childbirth, the survivor may become triggered and become retraumatized. Through an integrative literature review, the effects of rape trauma and PTSD on the childbirth process were identified.
Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the effects of rape trauma and PTSD on the childbirth process. Through determining the effects, a greater understanding will be gained on how to best approach a situation with an obstetric patient who has experienced sexual trauma to decrease retraumatization.
Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted. The literature was analyzed and categorized to find related themes among survivors of sexual trauma and the birthing process. The data was collected though life sciences, biomedical, nursing, and psychology databases through the DePaul University Library and was analyzed through a qualitative approach.
Findings/Results: The analysis revealed that women who have a history of sexual trauma may have a more difficult time physically and emotionally during childbirth and have an increased chance of a prolonged second stage of labor, use of forceps or vacuum delivery, cesarean section, retraumatization and PTSD as well as fear around the childbirth process.
Conclusion: Through recognizing the emotional and physical aspects from evidence-based practice that can retraumatize a woman during childbirth, healthcare personnel are able to provide the most compassionate and holistic care while providing effective care. Screening obstetric patients for sexual trauma prior to delivery will allow healthcare personnel to adjust treatment in a way to best care for the woman through the process of childbirth.