Understanding Obstetrical Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

In all cultures and religions globally, childbirth is described as one of life’s most beautiful moments, but for some mothers, this experience also brings unexpected challenges.

Obstetrical trauma, which causes physical or emotional injuries during labour and delivery, can leave long-lasting effects on both mother and baby.

However, one approach that is gaining long-anticipated attention is trauma-informed care in obstetrics. This promotes effective, compassionate, and patient-centred support for those who have experienced birth-related trauma.

In this blog, we will explain what obstetrical trauma is, its impact on families, and how trauma-informed care can make a difference.

What is obstetrical trauma?

Obstetrical trauma is simply the physical injuries or emotional distress experienced during childbirth. However, it isn’t a uniform condition, as it shows up in different ways and affects each mother differently.

To better understand what is obstetric trauma, let’s break it down into three key categories: physical, emotional, and psychological.

1. Physical obstetrical trauma

This is the most commonly recognized trauma, as it includes injuries such as perineal tears, which occur when the area between the vaginal opening and anus tears during delivery.

According to recent data-based research by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, these tears are common, as they affect up to 85% of women giving birth vaginally. Of those who experienced perineal trauma, at least 70% will require suturing of the wound.

Other physical examples of obstetrical trauma include pelvic fractures, fractured tailbone, nerve damage, or obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI).

These can lead to long-term complications like incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and bladder or bowel control.

2. Emotional obstetrical trauma

Emotional impacts are equally significant and happen when a mother feels dismissed, disrespected, or frightened during labour. 

Maybe she wasn’t informed about medical decisions or felt rushed into procedures like a C-section or vacuum-assisted delivery.

This emotional disconnect can leave lasting feelings of anxiety or postpartum depression, especially when the birth doesn’t go as expected.

3. Psychological obstetrical trauma

The psychological effect can overlap with emotional trauma, but tends to have longer-lasting effects. Mothers may develop stronger anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of guilt or fear around childbirth are all signs of psychological obstetrical trauma. These effects can interfere with bonding, breastfeeding, and general mental health.

Each type of obstetrical trauma has its own challenges, but they often show up together. However, it is important to know that trauma doesn’t have to define your story; understanding it is the first step toward healing.

The Effect on Newborns

For newborns, birth injuries resulting from obstetrical trauma can include conditions like cerebral palsy or plexus injuries.

• Cerebral palsy may result from oxygen deprivation during prolonged or difficult labour.
• Plexus injuries occur when an infant’s neck is stretched during delivery, which potentially causes nerve damage that affects arm movement and sensation. 

These conditions require ongoing medical care and therapy to improve outcomes for the child.

Trauma Informed Care in Obstetrics: What It Means

Trauma informed care in obstetrics is a compassionate approach introduced to maternity care that prioritizes sensitivity to a patient’s past trauma. At the same time, it addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs during childbirth.

This model recognizes that traumatic experiences, such as previous medical encounters, abuse, or difficult deliveries, can influence how a patient perceives and interacts with healthcare systems.

There are six principles associated with trauma informed care in obstetrics:

1. Safety: Ensures mothers feel physically and emotionally secure during childbirth.
2. Trustworthiness and transparency: Building trust through clear communication and honest interactions.
3. Collaboration and mutuality: Encourages teamwork between providers and patients and empowers mothers to actively participate in decisions about their care.
4. Empowerment, voice, and choice: Supporting mothers in expressing their needs and preferences to drive a sense of control.
5. Peer support: Providing emotional reassurance through shared experiences and understanding.
6. Cultural sensitivity: Recognizing the unique cultural (including ethnicity and race), historical, and gender factors that shape each mother’s experience.

These principles were not created to treat obstetrical trauma directly, but to address its consequences and create an environment that promotes healing.

The Benefits of Trauma Informed Care in Obstetrics for Mothers and Families

Trauma informed care in obstetrics provides numerous practical benefits for mothers and their families. The most common benefit is the reduction of fear and anxiety for mothers who may have experienced obstetrical trauma or difficult deliveries in the past. 

Compassionate communication is another strong point of trauma informed care in obstetrics. Healthcare providers who actively listen to mothers’ concerns and respect their preferences can encourage emotional healing after traumatic experiences. This measure empowers mothers to regain confidence in their ability to speak for themselves during labour and delivery.

Trauma informed care in obstetrics strengthens the bond between patients and health workers. When physicians collaborate with mothers as equal partners in care decisions, it builds trust, which is an essential component for positive health outcomes.

Informed care can also prevent re-traumatization. Simple practices like consent before examinations or providing clear explanations of treatments and questions can make a huge difference in how mothers experience their care.

For mothers who have experienced physical injuries or psychological distress, trauma informed care in obstetrics can reduce the feeling of vulnerability and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Reducing the Risks of Obstetrical Trauma

While obstetrical trauma cannot always be avoided, there are proactive steps that expectant mothers can take to decrease risks during childbirth, such as the following:

• Choose a supportive and experienced healthcare provider.
• Learn about childbirth options. Discuss natural versus assisted delivery options, including birthing positions or delayed pushing.
• Open communication with medical professionals. Advocate for your needs during labour and delivery; this ensures that your voice is heard.

Sommers Roth & Elmaleh: Your Legal Lifeline

For mothers who have endured obstetrical trauma or injuries during birth, there is always a lingering question: could medical negligence have played a role?

Sommers Roth & Elmaleh is a trusted medical negligence law firm in Ontario, with decades of experience in uncovering the truth behind complex birth injuries.

We have stood by countless families facing the aftermath of obstetrical trauma and offered our legal support and compassionate guidance during some of life’s hardest moments.

Sommers Roth & Elmaleh goes beyond the surface. We expose issues that were covered up, such as falsified or destroyed medical records. Our team understands the emotional toll these experiences take. For that reason, we approach every case with care, sensitivity, and professionalism.

For mothers and families seeking justice and financial security after birth trauma, we stand as your trusted ally. Call us today at 1-844-940-2386, or contact us online so we can listen and review your case for free and discuss steps to get the justice and compensation you deserve.