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Fear of Childbirth

Fear of Childbirth: You’re Not Alone—and Help Is Available

Understanding Fear of Childbirth (FOC)

Fear of childbirth is more common than many people realize. Research suggests that up to 14% of pregnant individuals experience significant fear or anxiety about giving birth (Webb, 2021). While many expect birth to be a positive and life-changing experience, for others the thought of labour and delivery can feel overwhelming.

If you’re experiencing fear around childbirth, you’re not weak—and you’re certainly not alone.

Is Fear of Childbirth Normal?

Being afraid of the unknown is part of being human, and childbirth is no exception. The process can feel mysterious, unpredictable, and unfamiliar—especially for first-time parents. Most expectant parents report at least moments of worry or fear during pregnancy.

For some, this fear is manageable and even motivating, helping them prepare and seek information. For others, the fear can grow into persistent anxiety, distress, or panic that affects daily life and enjoyment of pregnancy.

In some cases, ongoing fear may lead to physical symptoms of anxiety—such as feeling on edge, shortness of breath, or dizziness—and can increase the likelihood of requesting medical interventions or experiencing heightened distress during labour (Webb, 2021). When severe, fear of childbirth can be associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

There is also a rare but important condition known as tokophobia, a specific phobia related to pregnancy and childbirth. If fear feels intense or unmanageable, professional support is strongly recommended.

What Causes Fear of Childbirth?

Research suggests that fear of childbirth is commonly influenced by four main factors:

1. Conditioning

Fear may stem from prior negative healthcare or hospital experiences that become associated with birth.

2. Vicarious Experiences

Watching or hearing about distressing birth experiences—whether in real life, media, or online—can intensify fear.

3. Transmission of Information

Exposure to misinformation or “horror stories” about birth can shape expectations and increase anxiety (Rondung et al., 2019).

4. The Unpredictability of Birth

Concerns about pain, safety, loss of control, injury, or lack of support contribute significantly to fear. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened this sense of uncertainty for many families (O’Connell et al., 2019).

When Fear Starts to Interfere With Pregnancy

A certain amount of worry is understandable—pregnancy brings enormous change. However, if fear is preventing you from enjoying your pregnancy, disrupting sleep, or causing ongoing distress, it’s important to seek support sooner rather than later.

Fear does not have to be something you “just live with.”

Ways to Reduce Fear of Childbirth

While no one can fully predict how childbirth will unfold, there are effective ways to reduce fear and build confidence:

Talk with a trusted professional
A doctor, midwife, or cognitive behavioural therapist can help you explore specific fears and develop coping strategies.
Limit exposure to negative or sensationalized media
Movies, TV, and social media often prioritize drama over accuracy.
Connect with other parents
Hearing balanced, positive, and realistic birth stories can help counter fear.
Seek evidence-based education
Reliable information supports realistic expectations and informed decision-making.
Consider doula support
Labour and postpartum doulas provide emotional support, reassurance, and continuity of care.
Attend childbirth education classes
Research shows that people with fear of childbirth often benefit significantly from informational and emotional support (O’Connell et al., 2021). Childbirth classes help reduce fear by addressing the unknown, answering questions, and offering practical coping tools (Gluck et al., 2020).

Parents’ Coach Network offers:

Free childbirth classes for refugees covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) in Canada
Private and group childbirth and parenting classes for other families

A Reassuring Reminder

For most families, childbirth is a normal and healthy process. Fear does not mean something will go wrong—it simply means you need more support, information, or reassurance. With the right preparation and compassionate care, many parents are able to work through their fears and feel more empowered going into birth.

You deserve to feel supported, informed, and safe during this important time.