Predictive Value of Early Peritraumatic Distress Screening for Childbirth-PTSD Following Unplanned Cesarean Delivery

What this study is about

The goal of this observational study is to learn whether early postpartum screening tools can predict the development of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms in individuals who undergo unplanned cesarean delivery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do scores on the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI) collected 24-48 hours after delivery predict childbirth-related PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum? * Do scores on the City Birth Trauma Scale - Short Form (CityBiTS-SF) collected 24-48 hours after delivery predict childbirth-related PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum? Participants will: * Complete questionnaires within 24-48 hours after delivery, including the PDI, CityBiTS-SF, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). * Complete follow-up questionnaires at 6 weeks and 3 months postpartum, including measures of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, PCL-5) and depressive symptoms. Researchers will evaluate whether early screening scores are associated with later symptoms of childbirth-related PTSD and postpartum depression, and will assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing routine inpatient screening for psychological birth trauma.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Age ≥19 years
• Underwent unplanned cesarean delivery
• Able to provide informed consent
• Able to read and understand English questionnaires

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Fetal or neonatal demise
• Unable to complete study questionnaires or provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

• BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Who to contact

Katherine Seligman, MD · 604-875-2158 · katie.seligman@cw.bc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07561632.