Around 40 per cent of rural and remote Indigenous women experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, according to a new study.

Researchers at UNSW surveyed 150 pregnant Indigenous women about stressful life events they had experienced and their impacts.

They found that around 40 per cent had PTSD symptoms, much higher than levels that European victims of crisis had - including after terrorism attacks.

The researchers say there might be negative impacts on both mother and baby, and urge more research, as well as responses by government, health, and community groups to address the high rates.

The study accessible here.