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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Pregnancy Health: Preliminary Update and Implications

Received March 17, 2006; revised May 25, 2006; accepted June 13, 2006. From the Dept. of Psychiatry, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Univ. of Hawaii; the National Center for PTSD, Pacific Island Division, VA Pacific Island Healthcare System; the Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Univ. of Hawaii; the Dept. of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Univ. of Hawaii, and the National Center for PTSD, Executive Division, White River Junction, VT. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Morland, Dept. of Psychiatry, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Univ. of Hawai’i at Manoa. e-mail: leslie.morland{at}va,gov
©2007 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is pervasive among women of childbearing age. The cascade of behavioral health and neuroendocrine changes commonly associated with PTSD may adversely affect perinatal health. The authors examined the relationship between PTSD and perinatal health in a sample of 101 women seeking prenatal care on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Trauma, PTSD, and psychological and behavioral health were assessed during prenatal care. Pregnancy health, labor and delivery information, and birth outcomes were abstracted from medical records post-partum. Findings suggest that women with PTSD entering pregnancy are at increased risk for engaging in high-risk health behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, substance use, poor prenatal care, and excessive weight gain. Authors discuss clinical and research implications.

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