What past traumas can be retriggered during conception and pregnancy?

From the Guidelines

Pregnancy and conception can retrigger various past traumas, particularly those related to sexual abuse, previous pregnancy losses, birth trauma, medical procedures, and body autonomy violations. These retriggering experiences occur because pregnancy involves physical vulnerability, medical interventions, and significant bodily changes that can mirror traumatic experiences 1. The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also intensify emotional responses to trauma triggers.

Some of the past traumas that can be retriggered during conception and pregnancy include:

• Sexual trauma: survivors may find conception, pelvic exams, or the physical sensations of pregnancy distressing as these experiences involve similar body parts and vulnerability 1
• Previous pregnancy losses: women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion may face intense anxiety and grief when pregnant again
• Birth trauma: previous traumatic births can cause severe anxiety, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors during subsequent pregnancies
• Medical trauma: medical trauma from past procedures may be reactivated during routine prenatal care
• Body autonomy violations: pregnancy can trigger body image issues for those with eating disorders or body dysmorphia, as the physical changes may feel overwhelming and beyond one's control

Seeking trauma-informed prenatal care, working with mental health professionals specializing in perinatal issues, and developing coping strategies are essential for managing these reactivated traumas 1. It is crucial to prioritize the mental health and well-being of pregnant women, as untreated trauma can have negative consequences on both the mother and the child 1.

From the Research

Past Traumas Retriggered During Conception and Pregnancy

• Various past traumas can be retriggered during conception and pregnancy, including:
  • Childhood abuse and neglect 2
  • Intimate partner violence (IPV) 2
  • Emotional/psychological violence 2
  • Previous traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse 3
• These traumas can have a significant impact on a woman's mental health and well-being during pregnancy, and may contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) 2
• The experience of pregnancy and childbirth can also be traumatic in itself, with up to 45% of new mothers reporting traumatic childbirth experiences 4
• Traumatic childbirth is defined as an event occurring during the labor and delivery process that involves actual or threatened serious injury or death of the mother or her infant 4

Types of Trauma

• Relational trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect and IPV, is common among pregnant women and can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being 2
• Emotional/psychological violence is a significant predictor of PTSS in pregnant women 2
• Physical trauma, such as that resulting from domestic violence or accidents, can also have a significant impact on pregnant women and their unborn babies 5, 6

Impact of Trauma on Pregnancy

• Trauma can have a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes, including increased risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal mortality 5, 6
• Pregnant women who have experienced trauma may be at increased risk of developing postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSS 3, 2
• Trauma can also affect the mother-infant relationship and the development of the infant 2