Journal article
A scoping review of effective health practices for the treatment of birth trauma
Midwifery, Vol.145, pp.1-17
2025
PMID: 40163912
Abstract
Background
There is currently no consensus on the most effective health practices to manage or reduce the effects of birth trauma (BT) and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD).
Aim
The aim was to map the current literature on effective health practices for BT/CB-PTSD, identify key elements (the what, when and how) important for effective health practices, and highlight gaps in maternity care.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted across key nursing, allied, and medical databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed) for key terms related to (1) birth trauma and (2) intervention. Only peer-reviewed, English-language papers published since 2000 were included to ensure the relevance and timeliness of the findings. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 6,347 articles were identified through databases/registers and citation searching. After removing 1,342 duplicates, 5,005 were screened by title and abstract. A further 4,544 were excluded, leaving 461 for full-text screening. Afterf excluding another 433, 28 papers met inclusion for this review.
Findings
The first session delivered early (within the first 72 h of birth) by a clinician (midwife/psychologist/counsellor) significantly reduced BT/CB-PTSD in the short-term. Both trauma-focused and non-trauma-focused were supported at this stage, provided they were structured. If intervention is delayed (weeks to months post-birth), a trauma-focused, multi-session approach is recommended.
Discussion
Early, structured interventions should be considered routine care for women with BT/CB-PTSD, with more intensive, structured, trauma-focused approach for persistent symptoms. The potential role of digital mental health tools is promising, particularly for women in low-resource settings, but requires further research to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability.
Details
- Title
- A scoping review of effective health practices for the treatment of birth trauma
- Authors
- Julie Jomeen (Author) - Southern Cross UniversityFrances Guy - North Mid Coast Local Health DistrictJulia Marsden (Corresponding Author) - The University of QueenslandMarilyn Clarke - North Mid Coast Local Health DistrictJennifer Darby - North Mid Coast Local Health DistrictAngeline Landry - North Mid Coast Local Health DistrictElaine Jefford - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Midwifery
- Publication details
- Midwifery, Vol.145, pp.1-17
- Publisher
- Churchill LIvingstone
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.midw.2025.104382
- ISSN
- 1532-3099
- PMID
- 40163912
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Grant note
- This project was funded by the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Midwifery
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991122149702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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