By The PPH Foundation
Surviving a severe postpartum haemorrhage; one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, can leave women with lasting psychological effects long after physical recovery. While global efforts have focused on reducing maternal deaths, the emotional toll of near-death childbirth experiences is often overlooked. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common but rarely integrated into maternal health programs, leaving survivors without adequate support.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that about 13 per cent of women experience mental health disorders after childbirth, with rates reaching nearly 20 per cent in low- and middle-income countries. Research shows that women who undergo obstetric emergencies, including severe PPH, are at higher risk of developing PTSD and postpartum depression compared with those with uncomplicated deliveries. Studies in the UK indicate that up to 25 per cent of women who experienced major obstetric complications report persistent psychological distress one year after birth.
In Kenya, postpartum mental health challenges are equally significant. Data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 indicates that while maternal mortality remains high at 316 deaths per 100,000 live births, less than 10 per cent of maternal health programs routinely screen for mental health conditions. Local studies show that among mothers attending maternity services in urban centers like Nairobi and Eldoret, 17–18 per cent experience postpartum depression, while anxiety disorders affect roughly 15–20 per cent of new mothers. These figures are likely higher among women who survive obstetric emergencies such as severe haemorrhage.
Dr Eunice Atsali, co-lead at the End PPH Initiative, explains that survivors of life-threatening birth complications often struggle with fear, sleep disturbances, and flashbacks of the traumatic event. “We save women’s lives medically, but if we ignore their mental health, we leave them vulnerable to long-term emotional suffering,” she says. Prof Ann Kihara adds that integrating psychosocial support into postnatal care is essential, noting that early intervention can reduce the risk of chronic depression and improve mother-infant bonding.
Addressing this gap requires routine mental health screening during postnatal visits, training health workers to identify warning signs, and establishing referral networks for counselling or psychiatric care. Peer support groups and community-based follow-ups can further enhance recovery. Incorporating these measures ensures that survival from postpartum haemorrhage is accompanied by holistic care that supports both body and mind.
By acknowledging and addressing the psychological impact of obstetric emergencies, Kenya and other countries can strengthen maternal health programs, helping women not just to survive childbirth but to thrive after it.
Sources:
- Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022
- World Health Organization, Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
- Dr Eunice Atsali, PPH Foundation
- Prof Ann Kihara, PPH Foundation
- Nature Reviews: Maternal Mental Health and Obstetric Complications
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