The Contribution of Anesthesia Management to Childbirth-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case of Trauma After Denied Neuraxial Analgesia, Unmet Expectations and Remifentanil Labor Analgesia

Childbirth-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CB-PTSD) can arise even after low-risk deliveries. This case report describes a 35-year-old woman who, despite a medically uncomplicated vaginal birth, developed severe CB-PTSD after being denied neuraxial analgesia and receiving remifentanil-PCA (remi-PCA) to manage pain. Her distress stemmed from inadequate pain relief, dissociation, and loss of control, exacerbated by unmet expectations for epidural analgesia. Five years later, she continues to process the trauma. This case underscores the importance of informed consent, patient-centered analgesia, and trauma-aware maternity care. Addressing modifiable risk factors and providing early psychological support may reduce CB-PTSD prevalence and improve maternal well-being.