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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 2

Category: Perinatal Mental Health

Poster Session 2

(523) PTSD in pregnancy: maternal and neonatal outcomes

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM  
Objective:
While a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with adverse perinatal mental health outcomes, the association between PTSD and other adverse perinatal outcomes remains less clear. High rates of maternal stress in pregnancy have been found to be associated with increased rates of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, low birth weight, cesarean deliveries, and infant admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), but data on the association between PTSD and perinatal outcomes remains limited. The objective of this study was to examine the association between a PTSD prior to birth and adverse outcomes in a contemporary cohort. 

Study Design:
This was a retrospective cohort study using linked vital statistics and hospital discharge data for births in California between the years of 2016-2020. We included pregnant individuals with PTSD with a non-anomalous singleton gestation who delivered between 23 and 42 weeks. The presence of PTSD was identified using F43.10 PTSD, F43.11 PTSD acute, F31.12 PTSD chronic. Chi-square tests and multivariable Poisson regression models were used to assess the incidence rates of maternal and neonatal outcomes in individuals with and without PTSD. 

Results:
Individuals with a history of P</span>TSD had associations with higher incidences of hypertensive disease in pregnancy (IRR=1.45; 95% CI=1.38-1.53), preterm delivery< 37 weeks (IRR=1.29; 95% CI=1.20-1.39), severe maternal morbidity (IRR=1.54;  95% CI=1.33-1.78), placental abruption (IRR=1.29; 95% CI=1.07-1.55), postpartum hemorrhage (IRR=1.74; 95% CI=1.61-1.89), and chorioamnionitis (IRR=1.77; 95% CI=1.61-1.94).  Similarly, PTSD-positive status was also associated with a higher incidence of NICU admission (IRR=1.20; 95% CI=1.13-1.28), respiratory distress syndrome (IRR=1.40; 95% CI=1.17-1.67), and hypoglycemia (IRR=1.68; 95% CI=1.52-1.87).

Conclusion:
PTSD was associated with a number of adverse perinatal outcomes. These findings can be used both to counsel patients, but also to consider strategies to mitigate these risks.