What You Need to Know About

Postpartum PTSD

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 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 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.

What causes it?

There’s no single cause, but several factors increase the risk:

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after birth

  • Sleep deprivation (your brain is extra vulnerable when exhausted)

  • Stress and responsibility overload that comes with caring for a newborn

  • A personal or family history of OCD or anxiety

  • Past trauma or perfectionistic tendencies

Treatment works — and you can find treatment that fits your life.

Get support right this minute

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free resource for anyone who needs support with their mental health during and after pregnancy.

Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA anytime day or not and you’ll be connected with a trained counselor who is certified in perinatal mental health.