A traumatic childbirth can affect sex lives and relationships, stop women from engaging in normal physical activities, and can lead to both physical and mental health problems, yet many women feel unable to speak to or dismissed by their clinicians, a new study by university of Sydney has found.

This study had a very small population size of only 40 women interviewed but it remains clear that we need to encourage women to speak openly about childbirth trauma and its consequences, and ensure that women who are suffering seek help.

The study suggest better antenatal education is required to better inform the mother and her partner about some of the risks. We also need more research to try to reduce these outcomes. The vast majority of vaginal deliveries do not suffer significant trauma and dissuading mothers from normal vaginal deliveries is not the intention. Caesarean section poses its own risks.

If you or someone you know might be struggling with these issues we welcome you to book an appointment with one of our GPs to discuss.