Orly Sarid

This study of 302 Israeli women was a secondary analysis conducted to: (1)
examine the associations between negative pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences; (2) determine whether exposure to childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence and fertility problems are related to reproductive experiences and (3) identify among these variables potential predictors of negative childbirth experiences and postpartum depression (PPD). Pregnancy-related fears increased and prior fertility problems decreased the likelihood of negative childbirth experiences. The strongest predictors of a negative first childbirth experience were Caesarian section and vacuum extraction. Child sexual abuse and the number of negative childbirth experiences were
significant predictors of PPD. Implications for health care providers are discussed.