Postpartum Early EMDR therapy Intervention (PERCEIVE) study for women after a traumatic birth experience: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Up to 33% of women develop symptoms posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic birth experience. Negative and childbirth experiences can also lead fear childbirth, avoiding or negatively influencing subsequent pregnancy, mother-infant bonding problems, problems with breastfeeding, depression reduced quality life. For PTSD in general, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has proven be effective. However, little is known about the preventive effects early intervention EMDR The purpose this study determine effectiveness preventing reducing Methods PERCEIVE randomized controlled trial. Women suffering from consequences experience will randomly allocated at maximum 14 days postpartum either ‘care-as-usual’. Patients group receive two sessions between (T0) 35 postpartum. All participants assessed T0 9 weeks (T1). At T1, all undergo CAPS-5 interview presence severity symptoms. primary outcome measure symptoms, whereas secondary outcomes pertain bonding, conducted large city hospital multiple midwifery practices Amsterdam, Netherlands. Discussion It expected that results provide more insight safety prevention reduction (symptoms) Trial registration Netherlands Register NL73231.000.20 . Registered on 21 August 2020.