60% of women are scared of childbirth: Here’s why some aren’t |

A recent study reveals that a woman’s mental well-being and self-belief are key to managing childbirth fear. Researchers from Robert Gordon University and UniSA found that positive emotions, strong relationships, and confidence in coping strategies significantly reduce anxiety. The study emphasizes antenatal care that empowers women psychologically, fostering confidence and promoting healthier births by focusing on wellness and relaxation techniques.

Fear of giving birth is common; about 60% of women experience some fear about childbirth, especially for the first time. Yes, you are not alone; however, certain things can help ease the fear. A new study has shown why some women are more likely to stay calm and confident in the lead-up to childbirth.A recent study led by researchers at the Robert Gordon University in Scotland and the University of South Australia (UniSA) explored the factors that contributed to the fear. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynaecology.Childbirth and fear

To understand how some women stay calm and confident during childbirth, the researchers surveyed 88 pregnant women who were in their third trimester of pregnancy before attending antenatal classes in north-east Scotland.Using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the researcher measured the link between mental wellbeing, a woman’s belief in her ability to manage the challenges of labour, and fear of childbirth.They found that 12% of expecting mothers had ‘severe’ fear of childbirth (FOC). People who were more positive, confident, and in meaningful relationships reported.Findings

Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay, lead author of the study, said that antenatal care could be improved to foster confidence, enhance positive emotions, and ultimately support healthier births for mothers and babies.“While many studies have explored the negative effects of childbirth fear, including prolonged labour, emergency caesareans, and postpartum mental health issues, there has been little research into what protects women from experiencing those fears. Our findings highlight the need for antenatal care that doesn’t just teach women what to do during labour but also empowers them to believe they can do it,” Dr Forbes-McKay says.“This includes having a sense of purpose, emotional positivity, and meaningful social relationships – all things that are often overlooked in maternity care. The second key predictor was childbirth self-efficacy – particularly whether women believed they could apply coping strategies when the time came,” co-author and UniSA Professor Tracy Humphrey says.The researchers also found that a woman’s mental well-being was the strongest predictor of how fearful she felt about giving birth.The researchers emphasized the importance of antenatal programs to focus on building self-belief, rather than the medical model. Some of their recommendation include:

• Fosters confidence in the use of labour techniques such as breathing, visualisation, and relaxation
• Enhances psychological well-being by supporting social connection, purpose, and satisfaction
• Embraces an approach that focuses on wellness rather than the risks

“Women who incorporated these relaxation techniques reported “significant improvements” in their mental wellbeing and confidence in approaching childbirth; improvements which remained stable until 4-8 weeks after birth. The findings align with global priorities from the World Health Organization to promote the mental and physical health of women during pregnancy,” Dr. Mo Tabib, a midwifery lecturer at Robert Gordon University, conducted the study as part of her PhD, under the supervision of Dr. Forbes-McKay and Professor Humphrey added.

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“By addressing fear of childbirth through psychological and educational interventions, we not only support women to have more positive birth experiences but potentially reduce medical interventions and improve outcomes for mothers and infants,” she added.

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