Reproductive life events are often life-altering. Some can be traumatising and lead to depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). Other reproductive events didn’t necessarily feel traumatising at the time, but still follow us for life and reappear when we least expect it. Processing reproductive experiences are a common practice in many cultures – either as part of the formal private or public health system or in the shape of more informal interventions. Apart from reducing the immediate stress and discomfort of powerful reproductive events, debriefing can also lead to enhanced coping skills,increased resilience, emotional healing, and even transforming the event into an empowering experience.

Reproductive life events include but are not limited to:

  • Unplanned pregnancies: Unintended or unplanned pregnancies can have significant mental health implications. Women may experience stress, anxiety, and depression related to decisions about continuing or terminate a pregnancy

  • Fertility challenges: Infertility of difficulties in conceiving can be emotionally distressing. The pressure to conceived, as well as the financial and emotional strain of fertility treatments can affect women’s mental health.

  • Post partum depression: Many women experience postpartum depression or symptoms of depression after giving birth. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, the demands of motherhood, or a traumatic birth can contribute to feelings of sadness and anxiety

  • The loss of a pregnancy: Losing a pregnancy, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or when the pregnancy was terminated, can be an emotionally devastating experience, and many go through a range of complex and intense emotions.

  • Birth anxiety: Also called tocophobia, can be caused by previous traumatic reproductive events and in some cases there are other underlying factors. Birth anxiety is quite common and can influence the birth process and the experience for the women.