(Re)activation of survival strategies during pregnancy and childbirth following experiences of childhood sexual abuse.
Chelsey RobertsElsa MontgomeryYana RichensSergio Alessandro SilverioPublished in: Journal of reproductive and infant psychology (2021)
Pregnancy and childbirth can be triggering for women-survivors of CSA. Survival strategies learnt during experiences of CSA can be (re)activated as a way of not only coping, but surviving (the sometimes unconsented) procedures, such as monitoring and physical examinations, as well as the feelings of lack of control and bodily agency.