It is very common for women to feel anxious about pregnancy and childbirth. Concerns about contraction pain, interventions, and process uncertainty are not uncommon. But for some women, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth can be so strong that it even affects daily life.
This strong fear, tocophobia, literally means birth phobia. For some women, it also involves dislike or disgust from pregnancy.
Tokophobia can be divided into two types - primary and secondary. Primary tocophobia occurs in women who have not given birth before. For these women, the fear of giving birth tends to come from traumatic experiences in their past - including sexual abuse. It can also be related to being present at a difficult birth or to hearing stories that portray birth as horrible or dangerous.
Women suffering from secondary tocophobia tend to have had a previous traumatic experience at birth.
It is difficult to know how common tocophobia is. Research suggests that between 2.5% and 14% of women are affected by tocophobia. But some researchers believe that figure could be as high as 22%. So while some women may have relatively mild tocophobia, for others, the condition is much more severe.
Women with tocophobia differ. It is difficult to predict who may be affected, although it is clear that women with tocophobia are also more likely to experience problems with anxiety and depression as well as other mental health problems.
Research suggests that some women with this condition choose to avoid pregnancy altogether - or may consider terminating the pregnancy if they find themselves in this position. When pregnant, women with tocophobia may require cesarean section to avoid the natural birth process.
Anxiety, insomnia, insomnia, eating disorders and prenatal depression or increased risk of postpartum depression, etc. have been identified as consequences of tocophobia. Some women with tocophobia may have weak bonds with the baby.
Unfortunately, the clinical treatment of tachophobia is not very widespread. However it is a condition that can be improved and overcome. One way is to talk to other women who have had the same experience and consult with obstetricians.
Many girls and women think that their feelings are strange, but it is worth noting that many others experience the same thing as them, so talking to others is very helpful.
Sources: The Conversation, Healthline
