Pregnancy and birth are deeply transformative experiences filled with joy, hope, and growth. This journey feels sacred for many women—a time to connect with their bodies and prepare for the beautiful challenge of welcoming new life. Yet, when there’s a history of trauma, this journey can also bring old wounds to the surface in unexpected ways. Memories of childhood abuse, sexual assault, past traumatic births, or distressing encounters in medical settings can reawaken, stirring up complex emotions that may be difficult to navigate during such a vulnerable time.
Feeling a broad range of emotions during pregnancy and birth is normal. These feelings may come as a surprise or even feel overwhelming, especially if past trauma hasn’t fully healed. You might feel raw, vulnerable, or conflicted as memories resurface. These feelings are valid, and it’s important to remember that you are not alone; many women share this experience. Pregnancy has a way of bringing our deepest emotions and memories into the light, which can offer a unique chance to understand, process, and ultimately heal.
Trauma-informed care supports you through this journey, helping you feel seen, safe, and respected at every step. By creating a compassionate and supportive space, trauma-informed care can provide the reassurance you need to navigate these experiences confidently, knowing that your well-being, comfort, and sense of control are priorities. Embracing this journey with awareness and support can be a powerful path toward healing as you reclaim your strength and prepare to welcome new life with a renewed sense of peace.
The Complex Reality of Trauma in Pregnancy and Birth
In my practice, we have found that 50% to 75% of women choosing us for midwifery care have some history of trauma and are choosing us for a nurturing approach to help them feel safe and empowered. I have seen studies that bear this level of past trauma data out nationwide. This trauma can stem from a range of experiences. Childhood abuse, sexual assault, and negative healthcare encounters are all known to leave emotional scars that may resurface during pregnancy. Even in cases where a previous birth was difficult or traumatic, a sense of powerlessness or lack of control can leave lasting effects that affect subsequent pregnancies and labor experiences.
The impacts of trauma are often complex and unique to each woman. For some, familiar sensations or medical examinations can trigger memories of past experiences, leading to anxiety, emotional discomfort, or even feelings of helplessness. When these experiences remain unspoken or unaddressed, they can make the journey of pregnancy and birth feel isolating, particularly when friends and family expect this time to be filled with joy. Recognizing and understanding trauma’s effects is the first step toward a more peaceful and empowering birth, allowing caregivers to create an environment where women feel safe, respected, and heard.
High Prevalence of Trauma Among Childbearing Women
Many women begin their pregnancy journey carrying the weight of past traumas that might be invisible to others but can significantly shape their experiences and emotions during this vulnerable time. These are not merely memories; they are pieces of each woman’s story, woven into her life in ways that can unexpectedly reemerge during pregnancy, birth, and the transition to motherhood. Understanding the types of trauma many childbearing women carry allows caregivers to meet them with compassion, empathy, and the sensitivity they deserve. Trauma-informed care seeks to create a space where women feel safe, empowered, and respected, addressing their unique needs with warmth and understanding.
- Childhood Abuse and Neglect: The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 4 girls experience some form of sexual abuse during childhood. This early trauma often leaves lasting emotional scars that may resurface in new and unexpected ways during pregnancy. For these women, the vulnerability and openness that birth requires can amplify feelings of anxiety, fear, or hyper-awareness, making it crucial for caregivers to approach each interaction with gentleness and respect.
- Sexual Assault: Around 1 in 5 women have survived attempted or completed rape. For these survivors, the deeply personal and often invasive procedures that accompany pregnancy and birth can trigger painful memories and emotions. Routine exams may feel intrusive, bringing back a sense of violation or lack of control. Trauma-informed support becomes essential, offering sensitive and respectful care that helps survivors feel safe and grounded throughout the process.
- Previous Traumatic Birth Experiences: Many women have experienced past births as traumatic, with studies suggesting that up to 34% of women carry these scars. Often, these women felt powerless, rushed, or dismissed during labor—feelings that linger and can create anxiety in future pregnancies. Trauma-informed care offers these mothers a path to reclaim control over their birthing experience, empowering them to make decisions, feel respected, and create a birth environment that supports healing.
- Medical Trauma: For some women, past negative experiences in healthcare settings can create a sense of distrust and fear toward medical professionals, making the thought of standard maternity care daunting. A trauma-informed approach, where comfort, consent, and respect are emphasized, can help rebuild this trust. Such care acknowledges the emotional impact of past medical trauma and offers a foundation of safety and empowerment.
- Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Roughly 1 in 4 women experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner. This trauma brings additional layers of vulnerability to pregnancy, potentially impacting both physical and emotional well-being. Sensitive, trauma-informed care provides a supportive space where women feel seen, respected, and safe to voice their unique needs and concerns without judgment.
When caregivers recognize the prevalence of trauma among childbearing women, they can create an environment that fosters healing, empowerment, and a true sense of respect. Each interaction becomes an opportunity to honor a woman’s story, acknowledging the strength she brings to this journey and supporting her in navigating pregnancy and birth with a sense of control, comfort, and renewed confidence.
How Trauma Manifests During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
For trauma survivors, pregnancy and birth may bring up complex emotional, physical, and psychological responses. The physical vulnerability of labor, the intensity of contractions, and even the environment of a medical setting can trigger memories of past trauma, creating an emotional experience that requires understanding and sensitivity.
Some common manifestations of trauma during pregnancy and birth include:
- Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories: The sensations of labor, like pressure or pain, may resemble past trauma, leading to distressing flashbacks. This can feel disorienting in labor and add emotional weight to an already intense process.
- Dissociation and Emotional Numbness: Dissociation—a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings—is a common trauma response. For some, this can lead to missing out on the birth experience, adding another layer of complexity.
- Hypervigilance and Anxiety: Trauma survivors may experience hypervigilance or heightened awareness of potential threats. During labor, this can lead to intense anxiety, making it difficult to trust even well-meaning caregivers.
- Reactions to Medical Settings and Procedures: Routine procedures like cervical checks may feel intrusive, and the sterile, clinical nature of a hospital setting can amplify feelings of vulnerability. Trauma-informed practices aim to reduce these triggers by prioritizing clear communication, consent, and respect.
Recognizing these trauma responses helps caregivers bring understanding and compassion to a mother’s experience, supporting her with trauma-sensitive practices.
Recognizing the Triggers
For survivors of trauma, the journey through pregnancy and labor can be unexpectedly emotional, filled with reminders that bring past experiences to the surface. Navigating these moments requires awareness, empathy, and the ability to offer steady, compassionate support. Recognizing some of the most common triggers allows mothers, their partners, and caregivers to be prepared and intentional in creating a safe, empowering experience that honors each woman’s story and unique needs.
- Physical Examinations: For women with trauma histories, routine physical exams—especially intimate ones like vaginal checks—can feel intrusive or even violating, echoing past experiences. The simple act of asking permission before each step, explaining what will happen, and giving the woman the choice to proceed when she’s ready can make a difference. In trauma-informed care, caregivers never assume comfort with a procedure. Instead, they invite the woman to guide the experience, reinforcing that her body is her own and that her comfort and safety are a priority. In my practice, we make it a point to ask for consent at every step, even for seemingly small touches, ensuring that each mother feels respected and in control.
- Feeling Out of Control: Labor inherently requires a level of surrender that may be challenging for anyone, but especially for those with a trauma history. The loss of control can evoke deep-seated memories of past experiences where power was taken away. Supportive care in this context means actively encouraging mothers to express their needs and preferences, move in natural and empowering ways, and take breaks if they feel overwhelmed. Giving each woman space to find her rhythm and voice, whether through breathing, movement, or specific positioning, helps her feel like a full participant in the birthing process, which can be deeply healing and empowering.
- Medical Language and Protocols: Language is powerful, and even routine medical phrases can feel impersonal, cold, or even alarming for trauma survivors. Statements like “I need to check you” can come across as forceful or lacking sensitivity. In a trauma-informed environment, caregivers use gentle, inclusive language that makes the mother feel like an active, respected part of her care. “Would you feel comfortable if I check your progress now?” or “Are you ready for the next step?” invites the mother’s participation and makes each action a partnership, not a directive. In my practice, we strive to keep communication warm, clear, and supportive, letting each mother know she is in control and that her experience is the priority.
By being attuned to these common triggers, caregivers can help trauma survivors feel seen, safe, and empowered. Each thoughtful gesture and each moment of connection help create a birth environment where every woman feels respected and supported, allowing her to embrace the transformative journey of childbirth with trust and confidence. This approach respects her past and helps build a path forward rooted in healing and newfound strength.
Trauma-Informed Care: Creating a Safe and Supportive Birth Environment
Trauma-informed care is centered on honoring each woman’s experiences and giving her the autonomy to make choices that feel right for her. This care model aims to create a nurturing space where she feels respected and empowered, transforming the birth experience into healing and strength. Trauma-informed care includes asking permission before any touch, involving mothers in every decision, and offering emotional support throughout labor and delivery.
In our practice (Holistic Heritage Homebirth), trauma-informed care is not just a philosophy; it’s the foundation of how we approach every mother. Even during a hospital transfer, we accompany our clients to advocate for their preferences and ensure they feel supported. This continuity of care provides comfort, helping mothers know they have a trusted ally.
Key Values in Trauma-Informed Care
- Autonomy: Every woman deserves control over her body and choices, with caregivers who respect her preferences and boundaries. In our practice, we ask for consent at every step, reinforcing that each mother leads her birthing experience.
- Consent and Communication: Respect for consent begins with small gestures, like asking, “May I check your abdomen?” Regular communication fosters a trusting relationship, helping women feel valued.
- Respect for Physiological Birth: A natural, hands-off approach to birth reduces unnecessary interventions, allowing the body to do what it knows best. This respect for the natural birth process supports women feeling at ease and in control.
- Emotional and Physical Support: Trauma-informed care offers continuous, compassionate support. In our practice, we are there throughout labor and birth, providing reassurance and respect at every step.
These values in trauma-informed care create a deep commitment to each mother’s dignity, sense of control, and well-being.
Choosing a Midwife and Birth Team: Finding Support that Honors Your History
For women with past trauma, selecting a birth team is about more than finding skilled professionals; it’s about creating a circle of trust, empathy, and respect. Midwifery care often provides a more personalized, supportive approach, with longer appointments and open conversations that build trust. In our practice, we emphasize trauma-informed values in every interaction, allowing each mother to voice her needs and concerns.
Why Midwifery Care?
- Desire for Autonomy and Control: Midwifery care emphasizes collaboration, allowing mothers to guide their experience and feel heard.
- Longer, More Personalized Appointments: Longer visits foster a safe space for conversation, trust-building, and support, helping trauma survivors feel safe and valued.
- Comfort with Home Environments: Homebirth offers a familiar, comforting space, free from the triggers of clinical settings, allowing mothers to focus on the birth process.
Practical Steps for Women Navigating Trauma in Pregnancy and Birth
Navigating pregnancy and birth as a trauma survivor can be both challenging and empowering. Here are some practical steps to help you feel grounded, safe, and prepared:
- Seek Out a Trauma-Informed Care Provider: Choose a provider who respects your autonomy and listens to your concerns, creating a foundation of safety and trust.
- Develop a Birth Plan: Outline your preferences for exams, interventions, and support. A birth plan communicates your needs and helps your care team support you.
- Prepare Mentally and Emotionally: Therapy or support groups can help you explore and process feelings, building confidence and resilience.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Sharing your trauma history with your partner creates understanding and helps them provide stronger support.
- Embrace Your Right to Change Your Mind: Birth is unpredictable, and adapting your plan as you go is okay. Trust yourself and know you’re in control.
Moving Toward Healing: Recognizing Trauma and Reclaiming Your Birth
Pregnancy and birth are incredible opportunities for welcoming new life and reconnecting with your inner strength and healing. For women carrying the weight of past trauma, this journey can offer a unique path to reclaiming their sense of control and resilience. Trauma-informed care provides a space where past wounds can be acknowledged and processed, allowing each woman to approach birth with the confidence that this is her experience, to be shaped and directed by her own needs and wishes.
In midwifery care, every mother’s story is honored and respected. We understand that each woman brings her history, hopes, and challenges to the birth journey, and we make it our mission to center her needs and desires. Through trauma-informed practices, we’re able to create an environment where a mother feels truly seen and heard, where her boundaries are respected, and where she is empowered to take charge of her birth experience. The goal is to make her feel that she is giving life and reclaiming her power and voice in a profound, healing way.
With trauma-informed care, the birth experience becomes a time for each mother to embrace her courage, acknowledge her fears, and lean into the support of a compassionate team that understands her journey. We provide care that respects her autonomy, prioritizing her comfort and choices. In this nurturing environment, women are encouraged to connect with their strength, discovering that they have everything within them to meet the challenges of labor with resilience. We hold space for their fears, hopes, and dreams for this birth, honoring each with gentleness and care.
Through practices that honor choice, ensure safety, and offer unwavering support, midwifery care can help transform birth into an empowering experience that leaves each mother deeply connected to herself and her journey. When mothers with trauma histories are given the space and respect they deserve, they often emerge from birth with not only a sense of accomplishment but also a renewed sense of self-assurance. This process allows birth to become more than a medical event; it becomes a moment of personal transformation, a journey of healing, and a testament to each mother’s courage, resilience, and strength.
Additional Reading:
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse Through Pregnancy and Childbirth
Note:Full disclosure: I earn a small (very small) commission on any links in the article that take you to Amazon.
About the Author:
Jaelin Stickels, CNM, WHNP, is a deeply passionate and highly skilled Certified Nurse Midwife, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and the owner of Holistic Heritage Homebirth in Houston, Texas. With over a decade of experience, Jaelin has had the privilege of helping several hundred women welcome their babies into the world. In addition to her advanced practice licensure training, she has additional advanced training in twin and breech births, making her one of only a few with these skills in her area. Jaelin approaches every birth with expertise, compassion, and a deep respect for the birthing process. Jaelin is finishing her doctorate and looking forward to being Dr. Jaelin in early 2025.
Jaelin’s journey into midwifery began with a profound love for supporting women through the incredible experience of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Since 2010, she has been dedicated to walking alongside families during these transformative moments, offering guidance, support, and care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. She is a big believer in informed consent and ensures clients are given the best evidence-based information to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Married to her high school sweetheart Ted (aka Chef Ted) since 1984, Jaelin is the proud mother of three grown children and the delighted grandmother of one amazing granddaughter. When she’s not assisting in births, Jaelin finds joy in going to the movies with her husband, quilting, and cherishing time with her family. Known by the other midwives in her practice (Holistic Heritage Homebirth) affectionately as the “Birth Hog,” she brings an unmatched dedication and enthusiasm to her work—no one loves birth quite like she does.