A Narrative Synthesis of Women's Out-of-Body Experiences During Childbirth.
Journal of midwifery & women's health July 1, 2017 Lynda Bateman, Catriona Jones, Julie Jomeen
Some women experience a dissociated, out-of-body experience (OBE) during childbirth, such as seeing their body from above or floating above it. This review synthesizes narratives from women who had intrapartum OBEs, identifying three forms: floating above the scene, remaining close to it, or full separation of a body part. Women had clear recall of these experiences. OBEs occurred in the presence of stress or trauma, often linked to current or previous traumatic childbirth or non-birth trauma. It is not clear whether a connection exists between posttraumatic stress disorder and OBEs. OBEs may serve as a coping mechanism. Clinicians should legitimize women's disclosure and explore the impact.