Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Thousands of UK Mothers May Have Undiagnosed Birth Trauma
Some mothers feel very frightened after having a baby.
They may have nightmares, upsetting memories or worry that something bad will happen again.
These feelings can happen after a difficult birth or even after a birth that seemed medically normal.
Experts estimate that more than 15,000 women in the UK may have this problem each year without it being recognised.
Doctors may mistake it for depression or anxiety because the symptoms can look similar.
The treatments for these conditions are not always the same.
A single check-up several weeks after birth may not be enough to find every case.
Experts want mothers to be asked about their wellbeing more than once.
They also want women with birth trauma to receive the right psychological support.
More than 15,000 UK women could have unidentified childbirth-related PTSD each year.
PTSD can follow frightening deliveries or medically uncomplicated births.
Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety and intrusive memories.
Childbirth-related PTSD can be mistaken for postnatal depression or anxiety.
Experts recommend continuing mental-health support beyond the six-to-eight-week postnatal check.
- Who
- UK mothers who develop childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder, along with doctors and perinatal mental-health professionals.
- What
- An evidence review estimates that more than 15,000 women a year may have undiagnosed or untreated childbirth-related PTSD.
- When
- The condition can appear after childbirth and may not become apparent until months later; the estimate applies each year.
- Where
- Across the United Kingdom, including within postnatal healthcare services.
- Why
- Symptoms can be overlooked, confused with depression or anxiety, or missed during the single six-to-eight-week postnatal check.
- Estimated annual cases
- More than 15,000 UK women could have undiagnosed childbirth-related PTSD each year.
- Possible scale
- Researchers say the actual figure could reach tens of thousands.
- Reported prevalence
- Up to one in 16 mothers may develop PTSD after childbirth.
- Possible triggers
- PTSD may follow a frightening or traumatic birth, and can also occur after a medically uncomplicated birth.
- Common symptoms
- Nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, intrusive memories, fear and persistent negative thoughts.
- Current care concern
- Symptoms may be diagnosed as postnatal depression or anxiety, even though treatment needs can differ.
- Postnatal check
- Experts say recognition should not depend on only the six-to-eight-week consultation.