Fear of childbirth: causes and methods of struggle

The bearing and birth of a child is a logical continuation of conception and the thoughts that preceded it about the child. By nature itself it is commanded that man is the most intelligent being on Earth. Unfortunately, a person does not lay the meaning in all his life processes, including such important ones as his own continuation. As a result, childbirth turns out to be something unknown and disturbing, and if this is superimposed on the perception of someone's negative experience, then a real phobia to this natural process is possible.

The excitement in anticipation of the forthcoming birth of the baby is quite natural, as soon a new person will appear to whom you are giving life. But sometimes undesirable anxieties associated with the current physical condition, frightening stories of acquaintances or impressions from the media, as well as living conditions are mixed with this pleasant excitement. This is especially evident before childbirth, when their dates are approaching. Then the excitement can develop into anxiety and the process of childbirth can seem intimidating.

Fear of giving birth can be due to various reasons.

• Complicated previous birth. If a woman has the birth of a second child, and the previous birth experience was painful or unfavorable, then it is likely that in the present she will experience fears. A negative attitude towards a woman in childbirth in a maternity hospital can also cause fears associated with childbirth.
• Lack of information. The unknown is usually alarming.And if a young woman, who is giving birth for the first time, collects disturbing information from everywhere instead of studying this issue more deeply, then fears, caught up with incorrect information, can cause a fear of giving birth.
• The physical state. There are a number of diseases that can really complicate pregnancy and thereby cause fear of pain or fear of dying in childbirth.
• Living conditions. There are many reasons related to the particular conditions in which a woman has to give birth:
  • raising a child alone;
  • the negative attitude of the husband to the possible loss of attractiveness of the wife;
  • material difficulties;
  • accidental pregnancy.

• The experience of sexual abuse. This is a serious psychological trauma that leaves its mark on the woman’s attitude to pregnancy and childbirth.
• Hormonal and physiological changes in the body. Changes in the process of gestation significantly affect the emotional background of the pregnant woman.

We list some of the fears associated with childbirth.

• Anxiety for physical condition. This includes fear of not being in time at the maternity hospital and that childbirth will begin at home, fear of pain, postpartum complications or a worsening of the baby’s condition, disruption of the labor process, the possibility of cesarean section, fear of death.
• Mom-related experiences. A girl may be afraid of the emergence of serious responsibility, not cope with the care of the child, while having time to do household chores, work. As a wife and her beloved, she may be worried about losing her form and worsening relations with her husband.

Usually, anxiety in pregnant women is manifested by anxiety, doubts. A woman can often be thoughtful, startle from surprise, get annoyed over trifles or be capricious, become demanding and “break off” with loved ones - all these are signs of internal tension.

Fears that were before pregnancy may be aggravated by the new responsibility. For example, a girl has an attitude that she should never become pregnant without getting an education. If she finds herself in a similar situation, then she will be tormented by anxiety about the university that she has not finished. A pregnant girl who enthusiastically watches TV shows, listens to idle conversations, which most often discuss the experience of painful, difficult births, shows her immaturity as a future mother and accumulates other people's fears.

If the reasons are deep, which are difficult to share with others, the pregnant woman may become isolated, withdraw into herself. She can experience her sadness alone, engage in self-discipline. For extreme depression, try to get rid of pregnancy. With true phobia, a pregnant woman has constant anxiety, depression, nightmares, panic.

To overcome the fear of childbirth, you must understand its cause. Accordingly, the tactics of overcoming the anxiety state is also chosen.

A woman giving birth for the first time is often frightened by the unknown. To overcome anxiety in such a situation, you need to learn more information about childbirth: read educational literature, consult with competent specialists, try to ensure psychological peace and choose the environment of people with a positive attitude.

Pregnant second and subsequent children, a woman who has had experience of postpartum complications or fear of pain, also requires the consultation of a competent specialist. It is good to study the literature on this issue itself.

It is also important to understand that training should also include analysis of the internal psychological causes of the problem, because a strong psycho-emotional stress causes tension - muscle spasm, which leads to pain, tears, difficulty in moving the fetus and so on. The decision to give birth has already been made, so try to trust the natural processes as much as possibleoccurring during childbirth, and mentally transform fear into a joyful expectation of a baby. It will calm and help relaxation.

Approximately the same recommendations can be made regarding a mother who has a physical ailment that complicates pregnancy and childbirth. Your baby has chosen you, despite the disease, and is already preparing for the birth. Therefore you replace fears with love and prepare properly, armed with knowledge and deep faith in your natural strength and your child. Such preparation will help you gain confidence and overcome fear.

Waiting for childbirth can overshadow the fear of a negative attitude in the hospital. If it is possible to choose a maternity hospital, then visit different institutions in advance, familiarize yourself with their environment and rules, and talk with staff. Anyway, to defeat anxiety will help the mood and the idea that the most experienced and humane obstetrician will take birth from you.

Of course, such a visualization will not change the essence of any particular person, but your attitude will certainly respond to the staff, and when interacting with you at these crucial moments, they will heartily try to be just that for you.

An accidental pregnancy can strain both a single-minded, ambitious woman who seeks to fulfill herself in work, and an infantile girl who is not ready for motherhood. To overcome the unrest will help the opposite view of the situation. A child already in your womb needs your love and protection and looks forward to seeing you - the main person who will be waiting for him in this world. After all, the main purpose of a woman is motherhood. Acceptance of one’s feminine, maternal essence will dispel all anxieties and fears.

The material side of the issue at birth is, of course, important, just as it is important that the child has a father. If a woman has faced financial difficulties before childbirth or with the prospect of raising a baby alone, this situation cannot but upset the future mother, which adversely affects her and the child’s well-being. To get rid of fears related to the conditions of raising a child, it’s necessary not to get lost, but to involve all possible sources of help in solving the situation.

It is necessary to find out in the department of social protection what payments are due to pregnant women and women in labor; in the same place, ask if they have contacts of a social lawyer and, if necessary, consult with him about their rights; enlist the support of loved ones and tune in to the arrival in this world of a new miracle - your child. After all, what he most needs is a loving mom. And with love, any obstacles are overcome!

A girl who is afraid of losing attractiveness should visit the school of expectant mothers, where she can get information about maintaining shape after childbirth. Gymnastics for pregnant women will also help to gain self-confidence. It’s necessary to take care of yourself, but it’s also important to remember that the man who has chosen you as the spouse and future mother of his children lives more by waiting for joy from the birth of the baby.

• If possible - attend courses for expectant mothers. Communication with specialists and other pregnant women will give a feeling of confidence and peace.
• Remember that releasing the hormone of joy during childbirth anesthetizes the pain in a natural way.
• Your attitude with love and care for your baby, which already exists, will help to overcome any fears.
• It is important to tune in a positive way, even with an effort of will.You need to tell yourself that your child is your responsibility. And this means that it is in your hands and your fate. In every person, nature has inherent enough strength to overcome any difficulties.
• Your child already hears and feels you. Say good words to him. Say that you love him and are waiting for his birth.
• Surround yourself with pleasant, tender sensations. Arrange walks in the fresh air, when there is a need for this, eat healthy, pleasant food for you, just relax. Turn on classical music - it will calm you and the baby.

Excitement before childbirth is quite normal. Most often, anxiety before childbirth is manifested by irritability, resentment, or, conversely, the desire to distance oneself from the world. You can overcome this condition by arming yourself with useful information and invoking sanity and a positive attitude as assistants.

For more information on the causes and methods of combating fear of childbirth, see below.