What is Perinatal PTSD?

Perinatal PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder that happens during pregnancy or after giving birth. It usually develops after a birth or pregnancy experience that felt terrifying, unsafe, or completely out of your control.

This could be an emergency C-section, a NICU stay, a miscarriage, or even “routine” medical care where you felt dismissed or powerless. Trauma isn’t about what happened on paper—it’s about how it felt in your body and mind.

What does it feel like?

It’s like your brain keeps hitting “replay” on the scariest part of your story. Certain sounds (a monitor beeping), smells (antiseptic wipes), or even looking at your baby can trigger flashbacks.

You might feel jumpy, numb, or like you’re watching your life from outside your body. Instead of basking in baby bliss, you’re stuck reliving the worst day of your life.

What are the symptoms?

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories

• Avoiding hospitals, doctor’s offices, or even conversations about birth

• Feeling emotionally detached or disconnected from your baby or partner

• Hypervigilance (always on edge, easily startled)

• Irritability, anger, or panic attacks
  
  

How common is it?

More common than people think. Studies suggest 3–6% of moms develop PTSD after birth. But if you had a traumatic delivery, miscarriage, or NICU stay, the rates are even higher.

Women of color are at increased risk because of systemic racism and bias in maternal healthcare.

What causes it?

• Emergency or traumatic delivery

• Feeling ignored, powerless, or unsafe during pregnancy or birth

• Medical complications for you or your baby

• Past trauma resurfacing in the perinatal period
  
  

If this sounds like you, you’re not “crazy” or ungrateful. You’re reacting normally to a traumatic event. And yes—help is available and effective.