The impact of perinatal healthcare changes on birth trauma during COVID-19.
Rachel M Diamond, Allison Colaianni
PMID 34924337WHAT IT FOUND
Restrictions on support people and mask mandates during birth were linked to higher trauma symptoms.
Changes to birth plans, including support person, breastfeeding, and location, also predicted more symptoms. Screen for birth-related PTSD even if full diagnostic criteria are not met.
Key findings
01Limited length of stay for support persons, being restricted to one support person, and mask requirements during labor and birth were significant predictors of higher PTSD symptoms.
02Changes to birth plans regarding support persons, breastfeeding, and location of birth predicted higher PTSD symptoms after controlling for labor and birth restrictions.
03While 5.9% met full PTSD criteria, 72.3% reported partial symptoms and 57.9% experienced functional distress or impairment.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Convenience sampling via social media means the sample is not representative of the general U.S. population. The sample was predominantly White and highly educated compared to the general population, potentially missing higher-risk groups. Cross-sectional design prevents determination of causality between policy changes and trauma symptoms. Participants self-reported experiences and symptoms, which may be subject to recall bias.
Declared interests
No conflicts of interest or funding sources are explicitly stated in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these associations as proof that specific policies caused PTSD. The study is cross-sectional and relies on self-report. Also, do not assume that only those meeting full PTSD criteria need support; subthreshold symptoms were common and associated with functional impairment.