The birth of a child should be a moment to celebrate. However, for many women, the reality is far from this ideal: it can become one of the most distressing days of their lives.
To gain a deeper understanding of the traumatic birth experiences faced by women in the UK, medical negligence experts at Higgs LLP have meticulously analysed 100 submissions on birth trauma from Mumsnet as part of their latest campaign.
This important study reveals the profound challenges women encounter during childbirth and highlights the troubling shortcomings of a healthcare system that often fails mothers and mothers-to-be.
Women are desperate to talk: 79% were candid about their own experiences
Out of 100 submissions, 79% of women shared personal accounts of their traumatic birth experiences. In contrast, 21% shared their worries about future births due to stories in the news or from friends and family.
Nearly 2 in 3 women’s submissions discussed trauma due to hospital’s medical interventions or emergencies
Higgs LLP analysed the reasons why women were writing about their experiences of traumatic births. The results were as follows.
- 63% of women wrote submissions to share their experiences of birth traumas which involved medical interventions or emergencies, including but not limited to forceps deliveries, emergency C-sections, episiotomies, haemorrhages and fetal distress.
- Nearly 1 in 5 mothers (19%) sought support for their mental well-being, focusing on birth trauma-related mental health issues in their posts. Their challenges included diagnoses such as anxiety, postnatal depression, and PTSD, all triggered by their birthing experiences.
- 1 in 10 of women’s submissions were focused on negative experiences from a HCP (health care professional), including feeling violated or ignored by midwives or doctors.
- 7% of women wrote about their traumas from illness or infections which were present during their births, including COVID-19 and Eclampsia.
- 1 in 20 of the submissions were focused on a negative experience with (or a lack of) an epidural, with women focusing on extreme pain or feeling total numbness.
- 2% of women wrote in about birth traumas related to stillborns.
39% of submissions cite emergency C-sections as the cause of their traumatic birth experiences
Higgs LLP conducted an analysis of women's accounts of medical emergencies during childbirth and discovered that emergency C-sections emerged as the leading cause of trauma, impacting 39% of mothers in the submissions reviewed. Other notable experiences included:
- Haemorrhages were reported by more than a quarter (27%) of women, contributing significantly to their trauma.
- Forceps usage led to distress for 14% of mothers.
- Episiotomies left 12% struggling to cope with their birth experience.
- Fetal distress affected 10% of women, traumatising them during an emergency situation involving their baby.
- Additionally, trauma associated with epidurals (or the lack thereof), spinal blocks, ventouse assistance, and post-surgical pain also contributed to the emotional impact of childbirth.
"The UK is facing a birth trauma epidemic. It is deeply concerning that, despite being a developed nation, women are subjected to traumatic experiences that can have lasting effects on their lives. Our analysis reveals a troubling pattern of women feeling unheard, unsupported, and disregarded in their birth journeys. It is imperative that we raise awareness about this issue and advocate for meaningful change in maternal care.
"Every mother deserves to feel safe during labour and throughout their aftercare. Women should be heard and valued, with their healthcare prioritised by their medical teams. It is essential that we create an environment where mothers feel respected and supported in their birthing experiences.
"While reading the submissions detailing women’s experiences of birth trauma was profoundly upsetting, I am inspired by the solidarity and support that women have shown for one another. This research highlights a genuine sense of community among mothers. However, it is crucial that women do not limit their search for help to these platforms alone. If they believe they have experienced medical negligence or maltreatment, they must take legal action and seek justice."
Clare Langford
Medical Negligence Lawyer
“I’ve entirely lost myself and who I was”
The emotional toll of traumatic births is powerfully captured in the words of the women who shared their stories on Mumsnet. Here are some poignant reflections from mothers who have experienced trauma during childbirth:
- “I’ve started feeling really depressed to the point I want to kill myself.”
- “That ambulance ride was the most horrific experience I've ever gone through. I thought my baby was going to die, twice. “
- “It was honestly quite a traumatic experience. I had the balloon, waters broken and then forceps delivery with episiotomy. I had dreamt of a natural water birth, so all of these interventions made me feel like a complete failure.”
- “I felt violated.”
- “It was absolutely traumatising for me giving birth to my son in 2020. The pain with each contraction made my spine feel like it was going to snap.”
- “I’ve entirely lost myself and who I was.”
- “I felt completely out of control, unheard, and unimportant.”
- “I found the whole process extremely invasive, violating, and like I’ve lost my dignity.”
- “I’m absolutely terrified of the day I have to have this baby.”
- “At one point, he wasn’t sure if he’d be taking me or the baby home.”
- “I just lay in bed numb.”
