Preventing Childbirth-Related PTSD With Expressive Writing

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a brief psychological intervention given to individuals in the first days following childbirth who have experienced a potentially stressful childbirth. The treatment is aimed at preventing post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth and promoting maternal-infant bonding.In the days following childbirth, participants will be asked to write about their childbirth experience or a neutral event for three consecutive days, for around 15 minutes each day. Additionally, they will complete a short survey before and after the intervention about their birth experience and mental health. Around 2 months postpartum, participants will take part in mental health and physiological assessments, and in a brief play session with their infant.

Inclusion Criteria:Women who recently delivered at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).Women who are at risk for developing CB-PTSD based on their scoring of >16 on the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory (PDI).Exclusion Criteria:Age <18 or >50.Preterm delivery (<37 week gestation) or stillbirth.Down's Syndrome, other serious genetic disorder in the newborn, or serious birth defect (e.g., microcephaly, spina bifida).Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for more than 24 hours.Current diagnosable DSM-5 psychotic or bipolar disorder, or current substance abuse disorder.Current PTSD from another traumatic event.Active suicidality (assessed case by case).Present substance abuse as indicated in medical records.Severe maternal morbidity (assessed case by case).General anesthesia.Inability to understand the study procedures, risks, and side effects, or to otherwise give informed consent for participation due to neurological or other reasons.Inability to understand English.Enrollment in psychological mental health treatment during active study (not pertaining to brief check-in encounters with mental health professionals).