When Amy Stead gave birth in 2019, she suffered a severe tear during delivery that went undetected and resulted in a permanent stoma.

The young mother from Wrexham experienced PTSD and pain for a year following her son’s birth, which she described as sucking the joy out of having her first baby.

This recent high-profile case has brought renewed attention to the devastating effects maternity negligence can have on mothers and families. Unfortunately, it’s far from an isolated instance.

According to NHS Resolution Annual report and accounts 2023/24, obstetrics claims accounted for 13% of all clinical claims reported by volume and more than half of all clinical claims by value received in damages.

While physical injuries can often take centre stage, the mental health consequences of substandard childbirth care can be equally profound and long-lasting. Below, we’ll explain how mums can be affected psychologically.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Substandard care can lead to the development of PTSD in women who experience traumatic births. This condition is characterised by intrusive memories, flashbacks and severe anxiety related to the birth experience. Symptoms can include:

• Vivid nightmares or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Avoidance of anything that reminds them of the birth
• Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response
• Emotional numbness or detachment

PTSD can significantly impair a mother’s ability to function in daily life. It may persist for months or even years without proper treatment, affecting the entire family dynamic.

Postnatal Depression (PND)

Women who experience negligence during childbirth are at a higher risk of developing postnatal depression. PND is more severe than the “baby blues” and can have serious consequences for both mother and child. Symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness and low mood
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and self-blame
• Changes in appetite and sleep patterns

PND can interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby, potentially leading to long-term developmental issues for the child if left untreated.

Anxiety Disorders

The trauma of experiencing maternity negligence can trigger various anxiety disorders in mothers. These could manifest as:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic attacks
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Specific phobias related to medical settings or procedures

Anxiety disorders can severely impact a mother’s quality of life, making it difficult to engage in normal activities or care for her child. They could also lead to avoidance of necessary medical care in the future, potentially compromising the health of both mother and baby.

Emotional Trauma

Beyond diagnosable mental health conditions, many women who experience substandard care during birth suffer from significant emotional trauma. This can include:

• Feelings of betrayal and loss of trust in healthcare providers
• Grief and mourning for the birth experience they had hoped for
• Anger and resentment towards those responsible for the negligence
• Shame and self-blame, even when not at fault

These emotional scars can have long-lasting effects on a mother’s self-esteem, relationships and overall well-being.

Difficulty Bonding with the Baby

The psychological impact of maternity negligence can significantly interfere with the crucial bonding process between mother and child. New mums might experience:

• Emotional detachment from their baby
• Difficulty feeling love or affection towards their child
• Overwhelming anxiety about their baby’s health and safety
• Avoidance of physical contact or caregiving tasks

These bonding difficulties can have long-term implications for the child’s emotional and psychological development.

Strained Relationships with Partners

The stress and trauma of dealing with negligence can put enormous strain on the relationship between parents. This can manifest as:

• Communication breakdown and increased conflict
• Emotional distance and lack of intimacy
• Differing coping mechanisms leading to misunderstandings
• Financial stress due to additional medical expenses or loss of income

In severe cases, the strain may lead to relationship breakdown, further compounding the psychological impact on the family as a whole.

Beyond Physical Harm

The psychological effects of maternity negligence are far-reaching and can have devastating consequences for mothers and families.

Recognising and addressing these impacts is crucial for providing comprehensive support to those affected and working towards preventing such incidents in the future.

Healthcare providers, policymakers and support services must work together to ensure that both the physical and mental health needs of mums are met in the aftermath of substandard care.