The Effects of Expressive Writing Following Traumatic Childbirth

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a brief psychological intervention aimed at preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childbirth and promoting bonding between mothers and their infants. This study focuses on women who have recently experienced a potentially stressful childbirth and are at risk for developing childbirth-related PTSD (CB-PTSD). Since no recommended interventions currently exist for this condition in U.S. hospitals, this research seeks to fill that gap by testing a low-cost, feasible approach. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will write about their recent childbirth experience, focusing on their deepest emotions and thoughts related to the most stressful aspects. The other group will write about neutral daily events unrelated to childbirth. Writing sessions will occur for three consecutive days, about 15 minutes each day. Assessments including surveys about birth experience and mental health will be completed before and after the intervention. Around two months postpartum, participants will undergo mental health and physiological evaluations and participate in a brief play session with their infant. Throughout the study, researchers will measure changes in PTSD symptoms using standardized checklists before and after the intervention and at two months postpartum. They will also assess maternal-infant bonding through various scales and observational assessments, as well as monitor physiological responses related to traumatic memory recall. The total participation includes the initial writing sessions, surveys, and follow-up assessments up to about three months postpartum, with safety and mental health carefully monitored during this period.

Preventing Childbirth-Related PTSD With Expressive Writing