Introduction:
As awareness grows regarding the psychological impact of emergency cesarean sections (C-sections), their significant role in the development of postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become increasingly evident.

Aims and Objectives:
This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the prevalence and key contributing factors of PTSD following emergency C-sections, while also exploring the broader implications for maternal mental health and well-being.

Method:
An extensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published from 2013 onward that investigated the incidence of PTSD following emergency cesarean sections. The review concentrated on assessing PTSD prevalence between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum. Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM) Critical Appraisal Tools.

Results:
A total of 10 studies encompassing 4,995 participants were included in the analysis. The reported prevalence of postpartum PTSD following emergency C-sections ranged from 2.2% to 41.2%, notably higher than the 0–20% observed in elective procedures. Meta-analytic results demonstrated a significantly elevated likelihood of PTSD among individuals who underwent emergency C-sections compared to those who had elective procedures, both at six weeks postpartum (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.13–6.64; p = 0.03) and between six weeks and 12 months postpartum (OR = 3.68; 95% CI = 2.63–5.15; p < 0.00001). Moreover, women in the emergency cesarean group exhibited higher PTSD prevalence compared to those who experienced vaginal births during the same timeframe (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.51–6.60; p = 0.02). Identified risk factors included limited social support, obstetric or neonatal complications, and pre-existing mental health conditions.

Conclusion:
Emergency C-sections are strongly linked to a heightened risk of developing postpartum PTSD, highlighting the urgent need for specialized psychological care and early intervention strategies. Future investigations should prioritize the use of standardized diagnostic frameworks and further examine the enduring mental health consequences associated with emergency cesarean births.