Citation

van Dinter-Douma EE, de Vries NE, Aarts-Greven M, Stramrood CAI, van Pampus MG. J. Matern. Fetal Neonatal. Med. 2018; ePub(ePub): 1-281.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , OLVG , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1080/14767058.2018.1560409

PMID

30563384

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Fear of childbirth (FoC) and postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) are often less well recognized by healthcare professionals than other peripartum mental health disorders. This study aims to evaluate knowledge, management and attitudes of gynecologists and gynecology residents regarding women with FoC and PP-PTSD. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among gynecologists and gynecology residents using an online questionnaire. An invitation was sent to all 1401 members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

RESULTS: Two hundred forty-four respondents completed the online multiple-choice and open question survey. More respondents were able to answer the questions about risk factors, signs/symptoms and consequences of FoC in comparison with similar questions about PP-PTSD. When asked about performing a cesarean section on maternal request, 74% of respondents would grant this request if fear would persist despite adequate psychological treatment. During labor, providing good explanations and obtaining informed consent were most frequently named to reduce fear or the likelihood of a traumatic birth experience. Caregivers' attitudes towards women with FoC or suspected PP-PTSD were mainly positive.

CONCLUSIONS: Further knowledge, in particular about PP-PTSD, is desirable for appropriate recognition of women with FoC and PP-PTSD. Gynecologists should be made more aware of how their communication is perceived by patients, given the discrepancy between patients' experiences and the attitudes gynecologists report themselves. For optimizing the organization of care, we would recommend the use of a clear (inter)national policy regarding maternal requests for cesarean section (CS).

Language: en

Keywords

Education; fear of childbirth; postpartum; posttraumatic stress disorder; pregnancy; word count