PTSD And Infant Loss: Managing Posttraumatic Stress
Losing a child before, during, or after childbirth can be an immensely upsetting event. Many who have had this type of experience view it as traumatic, and some go on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Up to 25% of pregnancies end in either miscarriage or infant death, which can mean there are many people who face the trauma of such a loss during their lifetimes. The exact PTSD prevalence after infant loss is unknown, but those living with this disorder can often address trauma and alleviate symptoms by working with a licensed therapist.
Infant loss and posttraumatic stress
Over 20 years of research suggests that many people experience posttraumatic stress after losing an infant or pregnancy. These types of losses are often described by the terms “perinatal death” and “neonatal death.” In general, perinatal death describes the passing of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy or of an infant within the first seven days of life. Neonatal death generally refers to infant loss that occurs within the first 28 days of life.
Infant loss can be considered traumatic because it involves firsthand experience of death and grief. The experience of losing one's infant may trigger distress, fear, horror, and helplessness immediately after or in the weeks and months following the loss.
Infant loss and mothers
Studies show that women may be more likely than men to experience posttraumatic stress after infant loss. Women also tend to be more likely to report experiencing a wider variety of posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as greater PTSD severity. In one study, over one-third of women who had experienced infant loss named it as one of the most traumatic events of their lives. Women may be more likely to experience PTSD after infant loss if they believe they do not have adequate social support or if they are disappointed by those in their lives.
Infant loss and fathers
Studies show that many fathers also experience posttraumatic stress after infant loss. Fewer studies have focused on fathers after infant loss, so less is known about how they experience posttraumatic stress.
Research shows that fathers are usually more likely to experience PTSD when an infant dies after birth versus during pregnancy, whereas mothers are generally just as likely to develop PTSD after either type of loss. Men may also be more likely to display avoidance symptoms to cope with posttraumatic stress after infant loss. For example, they might avoid discussions of the loss or of anything that reminds them of the experience, rather than facing these potential triggers directly.
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress after infant loss
When a person experiences posttraumatic stress in the first month following a traumatic event like infant loss, they are usually considered to have acute stress disorder (ASD). The posttraumatic stress symptoms associated with ASD can include the following:
- Distressing intrusive memories of the infant loss
- Recurring dreams or nightmares about the infant loss
- Flashbacks that make it seem like the infant loss is happening again
- Intense distress when being reminded of the infant loss
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Sensing that time has slowed down or that reality has been altered
- Difficulty remembering parts of the infant loss event
- Efforts to avoid memories and thoughts related to the loss
- Efforts to avoid anything reminiscent of the loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability or anger
- Trouble focusing
- Having a sensation of being on edge and on the lookout for danger
- An exaggerated startle response
Sometimes, posttraumatic stress also involves physical sensations, like muscle tension, body aches, digestive issues, and headaches.
When is post-traumatic stress considered PTSD?
Posttraumatic stress is usually considered acute stress disorder (ASD) when it occurs within the first month after a traumatic event like infant loss. If posttraumatic stress symptoms continue beyond that month, then a person may be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of ASD and PTSD are largely the same, except they tend to occur in different time periods relative to the traumatic event.
Not everyone who develops ASD goes on to develop PTSD, but ASD can be a risk factor for PTSD. Over 80% of people who have ASD may go on to develop PTSD and still have it six months later. If a person with ASD undergoes cognitive behavioral therapy, they may be less likely to develop PTSD.
In some instances, a person develops PTSD without having had ASD first. In these cases, a person doesn't have posttraumatic stress in the first month after the traumatic event. They may experience grief during that time period, then begin developing posttraumatic stress symptoms a few months later.
How long does post-traumatic stress after infant loss last?
Posttraumatic stress after baby loss can last for different amounts of time for different people. One study found that three or four months after a miscarriage, posttraumatic stress usually lessens for most women. However, women who have had a previous miscarriage tend to experience posttraumatic stress for longer periods after subsequent miscarriages, and about 68% may develop PTSD.
In terms of infant loss, one study found that nine months after such a loss, many women continue to experience posttraumatic stress, and few tend to receive treatment.
Some research suggests that a small subset of people continue to have posttraumatic stress 18 years after infant loss. However, most people experience a natural decrease in posttraumatic stress symptoms over time. Receiving social support and engaging in treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy can also help.
Pregnancy, PTSD, and infant loss
When a person experiences infant loss, their PTSD symptoms may return during or after a subsequent pregnancy. One study found that up to 88% of women and 90% of men who had experienced infant loss in the past experienced posttraumatic stress during a later pregnancy. Another study found that this type of posttraumatic stress usually decreased about eight months after the birth of a healthy infant.
Therapy for posttraumatic stress
Authors of a systematic review of studies on infant loss note that PTSD after infant loss often goes unnoticed because people assume it is just grief. However, PTSD is a mental illness that frequently benefits from treatment, while grief is a natural process that doesn't always warrant treatment.
Remote therapy may be an option for people experiencing posttraumatic stress after infant loss. Remote therapy normally allows people to receive treatment from the comfort of their homes or from any location with an internet connection. Some people may prefer the comfort of their own spaces when receiving treatment for such a vulnerable concern. BetterHelp is a remote therapy platform that can connect you with a licensed therapist who suits your needs.
Multiple research studies have found that remote therapy can effectively treat PTSD. One such study treated 73 people with PTSD using remote therapy. The treatment generally resulted in a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms, and improvements were maintained six months later. The study authors concluded that remote therapy for PTSD can be both safe and effective.
Takeaway
Infant loss can be a traumatic event for many parents, and it may lead to posttraumatic stress. While women may be more affected than men, fathers may also develop PTSD after infant loss. Posttraumatic stress after infant loss can last for several months or even years in some people. However, receiving social support and undergoing treatment like online or in-person therapy can reduce symptoms.
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