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BACKGROUND: There has been discussion about the possible occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers after difficult childbirth. METHOD: Four cases with a symptom profile suggestive of PTSD commencing within 48 hours of childbirth are presented. RESULTS: The PTSD was in each case associated with the delivery. In each case, there was an associated depressive illness. All four had persistent disorders, and two had difficulties with mother/infant attachment. CONCLUSION: As confirmed by other reports, the prevalence of PTSD associated with childbirth is a matter of concern.
Ballard et al. (1995) studied this question.