Meeting the Needs of Pregnant Women With PTSD in Prenatal Care

Meeting the Needs of Pregnant Women With PTSD in Prenatal Care

The objectives of this research study are to screen 750 pregnant women at risk of trauma-related stress symptoms, and adapt and test an evidence-based intervention for pregnant women with PTSD and sub-threshold PTSD symptoms served by two public payer community health centers.

Studies of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in pregnant women in public payer settings have shown rates 5 or more times that of other populations, and rates as high as 33% of lifetime PTSD sub-threshold symptoms. PTSD during pregnancy has been linked to poor prenatal care and high risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol use and smoking. Further, PTSD may pose a barrier to care as obstetric procedures and pregnancy may trigger PTSD symptoms and avoidance of care. PTSD is also associated with pregnancy and birth complications and negative postpartum outcomes including excessive weight gain, preterm birth, low birth weight, risk for parenting problems, and increased barriers to breastfeeding. However, screening, identification, and support for PTSD is lacking. This study will screen 750 pregnant women at risk of trauma-related stress symptoms, and adapt and test an evidence-based intervention for pregnant women with PTSD and sub-threshold PTSD symptoms served by two public payer community health centers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mothers who are receiving prenatal care
• 18 years or older
• In the first 20 weeks of pregnancy
• Screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not pregnant
• Not currently psychotic
• No current suicidal ideation
• Language other than English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Portuguese