Many Parents of Premature Babies Show Signs of PTSD

A study published in the Netherlands has found that more than one-third of mothers and roughly one in six fathers of very premature babies develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the birth. The findings highlight the significant psychological toll that premature birth can place on both parents, not just mothers. Premature birth — defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation — is a traumatic and often life-threatening event for the infant, and parents frequently experience fear, helplessness, and prolonged uncertainty in neonatal intensive care settings. Researchers note that PTSD symptoms in parents can interfere with bonding, family functioning, and the child's long-term development if left unaddressed. The study underscores the need for routine psychological screening and mental health support for parents in the weeks and months following a premature birth. Healthcare professionals are being urged to treat parental mental health as a standard part of neonatal care, not an afterthought.