Thesis (MHSc) Auckland University of Technology, 2005. This thesis explores possible associations between sexual abuse and birth experiences. A survey method was used to establish prevalence of sexual abuse and to measure obstetric outcomes, birth experience and birth trauma in a cohort of 85 women who had recently given birth, and to test whether there are associations between sexual abuse and birth outcomes. Lifetime sexual abuse was found to be a common experience for study participants. One-third of the women disclosed an experience of sexual abuse in their lifetime. A history of sexual abuse was not associated with adverse labour and birth outcomes; however, women with a positive sexual abuse history were more likely to report postnatal depression. A quarter of the women had posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, but overall, women had positive birth experiences and felt well supported. Many women are able to overcome traumatic abuse experiences and successfully cope with birth, an event that may potentially replicate the dynamics of sexual abuse. The author concluded that further research is needed to identify women who may be at high risk for traumatic birth experiences.--AUTHOR'S ABSTRACT

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