Childbirth is usually a joyous occasion. However, a significant proportion of parents experienced traumatic childbirths and suffered post-traumatic consequences, which needs urgent attention. Therefore, this review aimed to explore and understand the traumatic childbirth experiences of parents. A systematic review of qualitative studies was done. The consolidated evidence was meta-summarized and meta-synthesized based on Sandelowski and Barroso’s approach for synthesizing qualitative research. Seven electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from each database’s inception to April 2020. Retrieved studies were screened using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and 19 studies were included in this review. All included studies were meta-summarized and meta-synthesized. An overarching theme, “traumatic birth: an evolving voyage,” with three main themes, (1) “proceedings to traumatic birth,” (2) “internal and external battles,” and (3) “muddling through to beating the odds,” and 10 subthemes were identified. Overall, parents felt fluctuations of emotions that seemed to be never-ending journeys. They expressed that various factors led to their traumatic birth experiences, especially health care providers’ dismissive attitudes. Parents commonly reported feelings of powerlessness and fear for the safety of mothers and infants. Their constant battles to overcome traumatic experiences affected some of their relationships. To deal with the trauma, some mothers displayed avoidance behaviors while others relied on social support. As health care providers play important roles in influencing outcomes of childbirth, they should be mindful of the care provided during labors and childbirths.

分娩通常是一个欢乐的时刻。然而，很大一部分父母经历了创伤性分娩并遭受了创伤后的后果，这需要紧急关注。因此，本综述旨在探索和了解父母的创伤性分娩经历。对定性研究进行了系统评价。基于 Sandelowski 和 Barroso 的综合定性研究方法，对综合证据进行了元总结和元综合。从每个数据库开始到 2020 年 4 月，对包括 PubMed、CINAHL、Embase、PsycINFO、Cochrane、Scopus 和 Web of Science 在内的七个电子数据库进行了搜索。检索到的研究使用系统评价和元分析的首选报告项目指南进行筛选，本综述纳入了 19 项研究。所有纳入的研究都进行了元总结和元综合。一个总体主题，“创伤性出生：一个不断发展的航程”，具有三个主题，（1）“创伤性出生的过程”，（2）“内部和外部的战斗”，以及​​（3）“蒙混过关，克服困难， ”，并确定了 10 个子主题。总体而言，父母感到情绪波动似乎是永无止境的旅程。他们表示，各种因素导致了他们痛苦的分娩经历，尤其是医疗保健提供者的不屑一顾的态度。父母们普遍报告了对母婴安全的无能为力和恐惧感。他们为克服创伤经历而不断进行的斗争影响了他们的一些关系。为了应对创伤，一些母亲表现出回避行为，而另一些则依赖社会支持。