Korean women’s experiences of traumatic childbirth: A qualitative descriptive study

Background: Previous studies have established that negative or traumatic childbirth can create childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD). Because of the negative implications of CB-PTSD for mothers, children, and families, global qualitative research on traumatic or negative childbirth experiences has risen in recent years. However, few studies have been conducted in South Korea. This study aims to explore women’s experiences of traumatic childbirth in South Korea. Methods This qualitative descriptive study examined nine women who were in the high-risk group of PTSD (IES-R-K > 24) at the time of the interview, between 1–11 years after childbirth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. Results The analysis identified two themes with six subthemes, as follows: 1) person-centred factors (pain, guilt, and threatened dignity); 2) society-centred factors (damaged femininity, confusion in social relationships, and maternal identity conflict). These findings may be attributed to Korean culture (excessive motherhood and lookism), as well as unbearable pain, disrespectful childbirth environments, lack of spouse’s support, loss of their lifestyle, and unrealistic expectations. Conclusions This study demonstrates various negative consequences, ranging from psychological damage to conflict in women’s relationships with their spouses, colleagues, and children. This highlights the severity of the birth experience, which can be traumatic, and the need for clinical intervention. Therefore, healthcare professionals' greater understanding of women’s experiences and increased concern about childbirth and respectful birthing environments are required. In addition, based on our findings, there is a need to develop interventions that can alleviate CB-PTSD and further improve women’s mental health, particularly through women-centred interventions.