Adjustment disorders in the postpartum resulting from childbirth: a descriptive and exploratory study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The experience of childbirth may result in the appearance of adjustment disorders (AD), jeopardizing maternal and newborn health. Aim: Check for signs of AD in mothers and their possible relationship with the birth experience. Method: This is a descriptive exploratory study. Data were collected at two moments in time in the immediate postpartum period and between 90 to 180 days after delivery, in which we applied the Impact of Events Scale (IES). The study population consisted of 98 mothers at a hospital in São Paulo. Results: Of the 98 women, 9.2% reported signs of AD related to the childbirth experience. This was more common in those who have had c-sections and in those who were not accompanied by a companion. Conclusions: The use of IES allowed us to check for signs of AD, its association with the type of delivery, and with the presence of a companion.