Description
Many women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) experience sexual assault or abuse in their lives leading to sexual trauma. In this article we review the effects of sexual trauma and resulting chronic stress on the body and during the perinatal period. Maternal, fetal, and neonatal health implications are discussed. Routine screening for sexual assault and violence can assist with early identification and intervention. A variety of modalities and methods for managing the effects of sexual trauma have been identified, including pharmacologic treatment, psychotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine, and shared decision-making. Further research regarding different treatments is essential to find additional tools to aid clinicians providing care to this vulnerable population. When nurses care for individuals with a history of sexual trauma, incorporating trauma-informed care can help prevent re-traumatization and promote a healthy perinatal experience.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the long-term impact of sexual trauma on individuals across the reproductive spectrum.
- Discuss successful strategies utilized in screening individuals for sexual trauma in the perinatal setting.
- Integrate principles of trauma-informed care into routine care practices.
Citation:
Sabola, S., Kim, J., & Sheppard, C. C. (2022). Perinatal care for individuals with a history of sexual trauma. Nursing for Women’s Health, 26(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2022.07.010
Faculty & Faculty Disclosures:
Samantha Sabola, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, BSN, RN
Jung Kim, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, BSN, RN
Cara Cuc Sheppard, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, BSN, RN
The authors and planners of this learning activity report no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships. No commercial support was received for this learning activity.
Publication:
Nursing for Women’s Health
Nursing Contact Hours:
1.0 nursing contact hours (CNE available until October 4, 2025)
AWHONN Accreditation Statement:
The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Accredited status does not imply endorsement by AWHONN or the ANCC of any commercial products displayed or discussed in conjunction with an educational activity. AWHONN is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP580.
Copyright© 2022 by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any other means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy recording without permission in writing from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
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Keywords: childhood trauma, perinatal trauma, postpartum depression, PTSD, rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual trauma, trauma-informed care
Target Audience: women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nurses