Dyspareunia
Fecal Incontinence
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Stress, Psychological

Birth Trauma

Birth trauma describes physical injuries during labor and delivery, both to the neonate and to the birthing person, as well as psychological injuries or stress that can occur to the individual giving birth and those involved in the delivery process. The birthing process is a psychologically and physiologically stressful event for both the birthing person and the neonate. Physical birth trauma can include damage to the maternal pelvic organs, including perineal lacerations, particularly second through fourth degree tears, which are among the most common maternal injuries, leading to long-term complications such as dyspareunia, urinary and fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse, as well as life-threatening hemorrhage. Neonatal birth trauma can include minor scalp swelling, significant intracranial hemorrhage, brachial plexus damage, broken bones, and the sequelae of decreased oxygenation to the fetal brain during the delivery process. Moreover, psychological stress can include negative emotional distress related to unexpected events during or after the delivery process or any adverse reaction to the birthing experience, which can lead to long-term sequelae such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This activity reviews common birth-related physical and psychological maternal and neonatal injuries, as well as the mechanism of injury, clinical features, and management of various birth-related traumatic events. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in identifying and, when possible, preventing both physical and psychological birth trauma, performing the recommended evaluation, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.