Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum Experiences of Israeli Women in the Negev

This study of 302 Israeli women was a secondary analysis conducted to: (1)
examine the associations between negative pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
experiences; (2) determine whether exposure to childhood sexual abuse, domestic
violence and fertility problems are related to reproductive experiences and (3) identify
among these variables potential predictors of negative childbirth experiences and
postpartum depression (PPD). Pregnancy-related fears increased and prior fertility
problems decreased the likelihood of negative childbirth experiences. The strongest
predictors of a negative first childbirth experience were Caesarian section and vacuum
extraction. Child sexual abuse and the number of negative childbirth experiences were
significant predictors of PPD. Implications for health care providers are discussed.
KEY WORDS: pregnancy; childbirth; postpartum depression; childhood sexual abuse