The birth trauma earthquake: A qualitative investigation of first-time mothers who perceived their birth as traumatic

Bailey, Emma C, Barry, Zenab, Buabeng, Rachael, Fellows, Rebecca E, Khazaezadeh, Nina, Rajasingam, Daghni, Silverio, Sergio A ORCID: 0000-0001-7177-3471 and Sheen, Kayleigh S (2026) The birth trauma earthquake: A qualitative investigation of first-time mothers who perceived their birth as traumatic Women and Birth, 39 (2). p. 102171. ISSN 1871-5192, 1878-1799

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Abstract

Problem Pregnancies can be anxiety-provoking, and birth which includes complications or deviations from expectations can be perceived as traumatic. Background The perception of birth as traumatic is inherently subjective and the salience of aspects contributing to the perception of birth trauma amongst first-time mothers may differ. Further, risk factors have not included the voices of women from minority ethnic backgrounds, who are known to experience higher-levels of discrimination whilst in receipt of healthcare. Aim To contribute to the understanding of experiences of birth which are perceived as traumatic by women. Methods Semi-structured interviews (N = 16) were undertaken in May-June 2024 with mothers who had perceived their first birth to be traumatic; and analysed using Grounded Theory. Findings ‘The Birth Trauma Earthquake’ theory was comprised of six themes: ‘Morbid Fixations’; ‘Grieving the Birth They Never Had’; ‘Changing Relationships’; ‘The ‘Hysterical’ Labouring Woman’; ‘Transactional Care’; and ‘Diminishing Their Own Experiences’. Discussion Perceiving birth as traumatic was seen as a catalyst for rippling after-effects, with widespread impact both personally, and in their experience of healthcare professionals. Women were observed to have engaged in what may be perceived as maladaptive coping strategies to contain and control the associated shockwaves. Conclusion Maternity care should be comprehensive and compassionate, fostering resilience in the aftermath of the earthquake, but more importantly prepare and reduce the propensity for it. These findings provide an insight into the lived experience of those who have perceived birth to be traumatic, with implications for informing future methods to prevent and mitigate associated impacts.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Traumatic birth, Mothers, Mother-midwife interactions, Primiparous, Qualitative
Divisions:	Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Psychology Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Inst. Population Health (T&R Staff)
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2026 16:51
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 16:38
DOI:	10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102171
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102171
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3197051
Disclaimer:	The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate.