Contact careCheck with your care teamMental health and safety

Previous birth trauma or intense fear of birth

Severe fear or trauma symptoms deserve early discussion so appointments, consent, continuity and birth planning can reduce avoidable distress.

Direct guidance

What to know or do

Ask for a named plan covering triggers, communication preferences, pain options, support people and how choices will be revisited if circumstances change.

What changes the answer

  • How long the change has lasted and how it affects sleep, eating, self-care and safety
  • Past diagnoses, trauma, treatment response, medicines and relapse warning signs
  • Privacy, practical support, coercion, immediate danger and who can stay with you

Check with your care team

When to get individual help

Contact your doctor or maternity service promptly and describe the timing, severity, associated symptoms and pregnancy week so they can choose the right assessment.