Childbirth PTSD Doubles NHS Costs for Women, Report Finds

Health care costs for women who report childbirth‑related post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found to be more than double those for women without symptoms during the six‑to‑twelve‑month period after delivery, a new report from City St George’s, University of London has revealed. The study, which examined NHS expenditure data, highlights the significant economic burden of postnatal PTSD on the health system.

The analysis quantified the additional costs associated with the condition, noting that women experiencing PTSD required more frequent medical appointments, specialist referrals, and mental‑health interventions compared with their non‑symptomatic counterparts. By identifying the period of greatest financial impact—between six and twelve months postpartum—the findings underscore the need for targeted support and early intervention to mitigate both health and economic consequences.

The report’s authors call for increased resources and awareness around postnatal mental health, arguing that addressing PTSD early could reduce the NHS’s long‑term financial strain while improving outcomes for mothers and their families.