Can i be scared into labor

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust. All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.

Read more about our editorial review process. Tokophobia: how to get over extreme fear of giving birth. Read time 4 minutes. Breadcrumb Home Pregnancy How you might be feeling Tokophobia: how to get over extreme fear of giving birth. Email Post Tweet Post. What is tokophobia? Who is likely to get tokophobia? Causes of tokophobia Some reasons that people can suffer from tokophobia are: Hormonal changes that make anxiety harder to manage.

Hearing stories from other women close to them who have been through traumatic births. Fears related to medical care like ineffective pain control, fear of loss of control or death, or lack of confidence in the team providing care. Psychosocial factors like being a young parent or at a social disadvantage. Psychological factors like low self-esteem, revival of traumatic memories of childhood or psychiatric disorders like depression or anxiety. Bhatia and Jhanjee, Expressing your thoughts can help you understand them, which will give you insight into how to cope.

And while it may be tempting to avoid thinking about labour, ignoring your worries can make the fear grow, Hammer says. In some cases, it can also affect your mental health during pregnancy. Just be careful about who you confide in, cautions certified birth doula Kelly Carrington. Fill your tool box: If pain is your big fear, then make sure you know what options are available in terms of pain management. Just knowing you have tools at hand may ease your worries.

Varying birth positions may make labour go more smoothly, says Carrington. One trick: Start training your brain to think of contractions as sensations that will help you deliver your baby, and learn how to breathe and relax into them instead of fighting them, says Hammer. Prenatal yoga and meditation classes can work wonders with this. As Robertson learned, picking the right people to be with you can help reassure you.

But as Beth explains, if you are equipped with the proper knowledge and right mindset during your pregnancy, a completely drug free birth can be one of the most beautiful and fulfilling experiences of your life. Read more on Parenthub website. Find your way with our new mums guide to looking after yourself and caring for baby in the first weeks. Read more on raisingchildren.

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Your name: is required Error: This is required. Your email: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Send to: is required Error: This is required Error: Not a valid value. Types of fears about childbirth Fear of the unknown Fear of childbirth can simply stem from not knowing what is going to happen.

Fear of not being in control The most common fear for women who have already had a baby is not being in control or being excluded from decisions during labour. Where to get help If you are feeling fearful and overwhelmed, or your fears are affecting your life, contact: your doctor PANDA : Beyond Blue : 22 You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on to talk to a maternal child health nurse.

Back To Top. Childbirth trauma Did you know that one in three women experience the birth of their baby as traumatic?