# A Pilot Study Exploring the Feasibility of Virtual Written Exposure Therapy with Underserved Black Perinatal Women

## TL;DR

This study explores using virtual written exposure therapy to help Black pregnant women with PTSD, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes.

## Contribution

The study introduces virtual written exposure therapy as a feasible intervention for PTSD in underserved Black perinatal women.

## Key findings

- Virtual written exposure therapy was found to be feasible for treating PTSD in Black perinatal women.
- Participants showed 50–100% symptom reduction for PTSD during follow-up.
- The intervention may help reduce maternal morbidity risks in this population.

## Abstract

In the USA, Black pregnant women are at the highest risk for maternal morbidity. They also experience the highest rates of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD takes a toll on Black women’s mental and physical health, placing them at risk for maternal morbidity. It increases several mental health symptoms such as suicidality, anxiety, re-living the trauma, and numbness. These mental health conditions adversely affect health behaviors, including those essential for maternal health, such as attending prenatal and postpartum appointments. Furthermore, untreated PTSD is associated with higher blood pressure, increasing Black mothers’ risk of pre-eclampsia. For a variety of reasons including cultural mistrust, stigma, transportation, time constraints, and access to care, PTSD is frequently underassessed and undertreated among Black perinatal women. Written exposure therapy (WET) is a state-of-the-art brief treatment for PTSD. In this study, we explored the initial feasibility of the virtual delivery of WET to reduce PTSD symptoms among Black perinatal women. Results found the virtual delivery of WET to be feasible. Symptom reduction for PTSD in participants was 50–100% during follow-up, suggesting potential effectiveness of the intervention. Implications for virtual delivery of WET in reducing risk for Black maternal morbidity are discussed.