Why Early PTSD Screening Could Transform Postnatal Care and Save the NHS Millions
For many women, giving birth is remembered as a joyful and life-changing experience. But for some mothers, childbirth can also be deeply traumatic, leaving emotional scars that continue long after they return home with their newborn.
A new study suggests that recognising post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, earlier could make a significant difference not only to mothers and their babies, but also to the NHS.
Researchers at City St George’s, University of London, have estimated that routine screening for PTSD among pregnant women and new mothers could potentially save the NHS around £26 million every year. The research highlights the financial consequences of birth-related trauma while also drawing attention to the human cost of untreated mental health problems following childbirth.
PTSD after childbirth may be more common than many realise
Postnatal mental health is often associated with conditions such as depression and anxiety. PTSD can receive less attention, despite evidence that traumatic experiences during pregnancy, labour or delivery can have a lasting impact.
According to the research, approximately one in 20 women experience clinical levels of PTSD after giving birth.
That figure means thousands of women could potentially be struggling with symptoms that go beyond the understandable exhaustion and emotional changes associated with becoming a parent.
Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, emotional distress and avoidance of situations that remind someone of the traumatic experience. For a new mother, these symptoms can affect everyday activities, relationships and confidence in caring for a baby.
In some cases, the effects may continue for months or even years without appropriate support.
The hidden financial cost of birth trauma
The study examined healthcare use among women who developed PTSD following childbirth and compared it with women who did not develop the condition.
Researchers found that healthcare costs for mothers experiencing PTSD were approximately twice as high as those for women without the condition.
The researchers estimate that preventing birth trauma where possible, alongside identifying and treating PTSD earlier, could reduce NHS spending by approximately £26 million annually.
However, the financial consequences could extend beyond direct healthcare costs.
Women affected by childbirth-related PTSD may also experience difficulties returning to employment. The study found that mothers with PTSD were less likely to return to work one year after giving birth.
For families, this can mean lost income, additional pressure and greater dependence on healthcare or other support services.
One mother involved in the research described being unable to return to work because she was afraid to leave her baby with someone else, fearing that something terrible might happen.
Her experience illustrates how PTSD can affect far more than an individual's mental health. It can influence employment, family life, relationships and a mother's sense of safety.
Many women may not receive help quickly enough
One of the concerns highlighted by the research is the gap between the number of women who may experience PTSD and the number who receive appropriate mental health support.
The study reported that fewer than half of women who developed PTSD after childbirth were referred to mental health services.
This raises an important question: how many women are suffering in silence because their symptoms are not recognised?
Mental health problems after childbirth can sometimes be difficult to identify. New parents may already be experiencing sleep deprivation, physical recovery, anxiety and major lifestyle changes.
A mother experiencing PTSD may also believe that she should simply cope with what happened during childbirth or may feel uncomfortable discussing a traumatic experience.
Routine screening could provide an opportunity to identify symptoms earlier, rather than relying solely on women to recognise that something is wrong and ask for help themselves.
What could routine screening look like?
The researchers have called for PTSD screening to become a routine part of maternity care during pregnancy and after birth.
Screening would not necessarily mean that every woman has PTSD. Instead, it could help healthcare professionals identify mothers who may need a more detailed assessment or additional support.
Early identification could then lead to appropriate treatment and referral to mental health services.
The study also recommends better training for healthcare professionals so they can recognise potential signs of PTSD and respond appropriately.
This is particularly important because the way healthcare workers communicate with women during pregnancy and childbirth can influence whether mothers feel comfortable speaking about difficult experiences.
Good maternity care should involve listening to women, taking their concerns seriously and providing clear information about available support.
Prevention remains just as important as treatment
Although screening could help identify PTSD, the researchers also emphasise the importance of preventing traumatic experiences during childbirth wherever possible.
Not every difficult birth can be prevented. Medical emergencies sometimes require rapid decisions and interventions that are necessary to protect a mother or baby.
However, improving communication, informed consent, continuity of care and respectful treatment could potentially reduce some experiences that women later describe as traumatic.
The wider quality of maternity services therefore matters.
Earlier this year, the Government announced plans to appoint a national maternity commissioner following a review led by Baroness Valerie Amos. That review highlighted concerns about failures in NHS maternity care, including women and families not always feeling listened to or believed.
These wider concerns demonstrate why conversations about birth trauma cannot be separated from discussions about maternity safety and the quality of care.
Supporting mothers benefits entire families
Treating maternal PTSD is not simply about helping one individual.
A mother's mental health can influence her ability to enjoy early parenthood, maintain relationships and feel confident in caring for her baby. When a mother receives timely support, the potential benefits can extend throughout the family.
Early intervention could also reduce the need for repeated healthcare appointments and other services associated with untreated mental health difficulties.
For the NHS, that could mean reduced long-term costs. For families, it could mean something even more important: mothers receiving help before their symptoms become overwhelming.
A potential opportunity for the NHS
The £26 million estimate gives policymakers another reason to consider routine PTSD screening as part of maternity services.
However, the issue should not be viewed purely through the lens of cost savings.
Behind every statistic is a mother who may be struggling with memories of childbirth, worrying about her baby or finding it difficult to return to normal life.
Routine screening could make it easier to identify these women and connect them with appropriate support.
As Susan Ayers, a co-author of the research and professor of maternal and child health at City St George’s, has argued, addressing birth trauma could benefit women, families and the health service.
The message is straightforward. Better prevention, earlier recognition and effective treatment could help reduce the long-term consequences of traumatic childbirth.
For new mothers, being asked how they are coping should be more than a routine question. It should be an opportunity to make sure those who need help are actually able to receive it.
Sources
- The Independent, “Routine PTSD screening for new mothers could save NHS £26 million a year”, published 10 September 2026.
- Research by City St George’s, University of London, examining the prevalence and economic impact of PTSD following childbirth.
- Birth Trauma Association, comments on the implications of the research and the wider impact of birth trauma.
- UK Government and Department of Health and Social Care information concerning maternity services and the proposed national maternity commissioner.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is based on reporting and research information available at the time of writing and should not be considered medical advice. PTSD and other mental health conditions require assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. Anyone experiencing distressing symptoms following pregnancy or childbirth should speak with their GP, midwife, health visitor or another appropriate healthcare professional.