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Fear of giving birth

Jan 29, 2024Updated on Jan 29, 2024
Preglife

ByPreglife

Vi har valt att samarbeta med experter som har en omfattande erfarenhet för att du ska få så relevant och faktabaserad information som möjligt under din graviditet, efter födseln och de första 2 åren med ditt barn.

Estimates of the prevalence of fear of childbirth vary depending on the measurement tool used. Approximately 20% or one-fifth of pregnancies are reported to experience fear of childbirth. Severe fear occurs in about 6-10% of all pregnancies, with around 2% experiencing what is known as phobic fear of childbirth or childbirth phobia.

The presence and cause of fear depend on various factors. Common reasons for fear of childbirth include concerns about losing control, pain, the risk of tearing during delivery, or complications for both the birthing person and the baby. Lack of trust in one's body and the ability to give birth is also cited as a cause.

Treatment:

Help is available and encouraged. If you express any form of fear or anxiety, your midwife will inquire further and assess the degree of fear of childbirth for you to receive the right help and treatment. At the midwifery clinic, you may have additional visits to discuss your feelings about childbirth, receive expanded information and have the opportunity to ask questions.

If you have moderate or severe fear, you may be referred to a specialised clinic or a counselling service called the Aurora Clinic. There, midwives and doctors specialise in this type of fear. Often, there is access to a psychologist, counsellor and psychiatrist, in addition to midwives and doctors.