Understanding
Reproductive Trauma

What Is Reproductive Trauma?

Reproductive trauma refers to the
psychological distress following challenging
experiences related to reproduction and
fertility. Reproductive trauma covers any and
all forms of loss that involve the process of
becoming a parent. This includes, but is not
limited to:

What Populations Are Impacted By Reproductive Trauma?

• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Various forms of complicated pregnancies
• Complicated deliveries
• Abortion
• Post-partum depression and/or anxiety
• Pregnancy after miscarriage

All clients have a reproductive story whether they have children or not, or
they want children or not, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

What Are Symptoms or Observable Risk Factors To
Help Identity If You Are Suffering From Reproductive
Trauma?

Anyone experiencing anxiety,
depression, or any type of distress
during your reproductive journey can
develop symptoms of reproductive
trauma.

Emotional indicators include
persistent sadness or depression,
intense and prolonged periods of
grief, feelings of guilt or
worthlessness, and anger or
irritability. These emotional responses
may be more intense around dates of
significance, such as the anniversary
of a loss or during fertility treatment
cycles.

Characteristics of reproductive trauma, like other forms of grief, comes
in waves. Infertility can hinder one’s dreams of becoming a parent while a
complicated pregnancy can fuel feelings of guilt for going through an
inherently risky process. Parents who experienced reproductive trauma on
their first try can feel new waves of trauma when trying for a second
child.

It's important to note that experiencing these signs and symptoms doesn't
automatically mean you have developed reproductive trauma. However, if
they're persistent and impacting your quality of life, it might be time to
seek support. Recognizing these signs in oneself or a loved one can be
the first step toward addressing the trauma and initiating the healing
process.

Common treatments for Reproductive Trauma

Through psychotherapy, clinicians utilize evidence-based practices such as
ACT, CBT, Mindfulness, and more. The goal is to help clients work through
their grief and loss, accept that their story can be edited and rewritten,
and come away with a positive new ending. Along with:

• Learn how to communicate these feelings to your partner, including
  how to talk openly, express your needs, and get support from one
  another.
• Discuss how to set appropriate boundaries with people in your life, and
  how to ask for support.
• Develop your self-compassion so you can honor the courage you’ve
  shown on your journey.

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