Obstetric violence and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder in women: a review
Violencia obstétrica y trastorno de estrés postraumático en el postparto de mujeres: una revisión Obstetric violence and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder in women: a review
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Obstetric violence (OV) is a form of gender-based violence exercised during pregnancy, childbirth, and/or the postpartum period. This study focuses on analyzing its impact on women’s mental health, specifically the development of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA method, selecting 15 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024. The results confirmed a relationship between OV and PTSD, showing that symptoms increase over time after childbirth. The most harmful OV practices identified include physical and verbal abuse, lack of consent for interventions, negligence, and the dehumanization of the birthing process. The prevalence of postpartum PTSD ranges between 6% and 20%, being higher in women who experienced OV. Protective factors include respectful treatment by healthcare professionals, continuous support from a partner, family member, or doula, and the empowerment of women during childbirth. Beneficial practices such as skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding were also highlighted. These findings emphasize the need to implement respectful perinatal care policies and train healthcare personnel to prevent OV and its consequences. The perception of the birthing process and the care received has lasting effects on maternal mental health, affecting the mother-baby bond and long-term quality of life.
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