Medicalization of Childbirth and Maternal Mental Health: A Narrative Review of Postpartum Depression and Childbirth-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Background: Childbirth is a major life event with profound psychological implications. The progressive medicalization of maternity care has raised concerns about its impact on women's subjective experiences and postpartum mental health. Globally, postpartum depression (PPD) affects an estimated ۱۷–۱۸% of women, while childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is reported in ۳–۴% of women after birth, with up to ۴۸% describing their birth as traumatic. Despite these figures, the pathways linking medicalized care to psychological outcomes remain insufficiently mapped. Objective: This narrative review examines the relationship between the medicalization of childbirth, women's subjective birth experiences, and subsequent maternal mental health outcomes, with specific focus on PPD and CB-PTSD. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and ProQuest (January–March ۲۰۲۶). A total of ۶۸ studies published between ۲۰۰۰ and ۲۰۲۵ were included following title, abstract, and full-text screening. Results: Three overarching themes were identified: (۱) conceptual frameworks of childbirth medicalization and risk-oriented care; (۲) psychological and social dimensions of childbirth experience; and (۳) structural inequalities shaping maternal well-being. Conclusion: Maternal psychological outcomes are determined less by obstetric interventions per se than by women's perceived control, quality of communication, and respectful care. Woman-centered and salutogenic approaches offer promising frameworks for improving both childbirth experiences and postpartum mental health.

کلیدواژه ها:

medicalization ، childbirth experience ، postpartum depression ، post-traumatic stress disorder ، maternal mental health ، respectful maternity care ، autogenesis