Fear of childbirth: causes and methods of struggle

The carrying and birth of a child is a logical continuation of conception and preceding thoughts about the child. Nature itself commands that man is the most intelligent being on Earth. Unfortunately, man lays down the meaning of not 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 the perception of someone’s negative experience is superimposed on it, then the development of a real phobia to this natural process is possible.

The excitement in anticipation of the forthcoming birth of a baby is quite natural, since soon there will be a new person to whom you give life. But sometimes unpleasant anxiety associated with actual physical condition, frightening stories of friends or impressions from the media, as well as living conditions, are added to this pleasant excitement. This is especially evident before childbirth, when their terms are approaching. Then the excitement can turn into anxiety and the process of childbirth can seem frightening.

Fear of giving birth may be due to various reasons.

• Difficult previous childbirth. If a woman has to have a second child, and the previous generic experience was painful or unfavorable, then it is likely that in the current one she will have fears. Negative attitudes towards women in the 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, receives disturbing information from everywhere instead of studying this issue in greater depth, then fears, brought up with incorrect information, can cause fear of giving birth.
• The physical state. There are a number of diseases that can actually complicate a pregnancy and thereby cause a fear of pain or the fear of dying in childbirth.
• Living conditions. There are many reasons related to the peculiarities of the conditions in which a woman will give birth:
  • raising a child alone;
  • the negative attitude of the husband to the possible loss of the attractiveness of the wife;
  • material difficulties;
  • accidental pregnancy.

• Experience sexual abuse. This is a serious psychological trauma that affects the attitude of a woman towards pregnancy and childbirth.
• Hormonal and physiological alterations in the body. Changes occurring in the process of gestation, significantly affect the emotional background of the pregnant.

We list some of the fears associated with childbirth.

• Anxiety for physical condition. This includes the fear of not having time to go to the maternity hospital and that childbirth will begin at home, fear of pain, postpartum complications or worsening of the child’s condition, disruption of the labor process, the possibility of cesarean section, fear of death.
• Experiences associated with the role of mom. A girl may be afraid of the emergence of serious responsibility, not cope with child care, have time to do household chores, work. As a wife and her beloved, she may worry about losing her form, worsening her relationship with her spouse.

Usually anxiety of pregnant women is manifested by anxiety, doubts.A woman can often be thoughtful, startled from surprise, annoyed by trifles, or act up, become demanding, and “break down” on loved ones - all these are signs of internal stress.

Fears that were before pregnancy may increase in connection with the new responsibility. For example, a girl has a statement that she should never become pregnant without being educated. If she finds herself in a similar situation, then she will be tormented by anxiety about the unfinished university. A pregnant girl who enthusiastically watches TV shows, listens to idle talk, in which the experience of painful, difficult labor is most often discussed, shows her immaturity as a future mother and accumulates other people's fears in herself.

If the reasons are deep, which are difficult to share with others, the pregnant woman can withdraw, withdraw into herself. She can relive her sadness alone, engage in samoing. With extreme degree of depression - try to get rid of pregnancy. With a true phobia in pregnant women, there is constant anxiety, depression, nightmares, panic.

To overcome the fear of childbirth, it is necessary to understand its cause. Accordingly, she chooses the tactic of overcoming anxiety.

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

A pregnant second and subsequent children who have experience of postpartum complications or fear of pain also need advice from a competent specialist. It is also good to study the literature on this issue.

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

Approximately the same recommendations can be given in relation to mommy who has a physical illness that complicates pregnancy and childbirth. Your baby has chosen you, despite the illness, and is already preparing for birth. Therefore, you replace fears with love and how to prepare yourself, armed with knowledge and deep faith in your natural strength and your child. Such training will help you gain confidence and conquer fear.

Waiting for childbirth can darken the fear of a negative relationship in the hospital. If it is possible to choose a maternity hospital, then visit different institutions in advance, familiarize yourself with their situation and rules, talk with the staff. Anyway, the mood and the idea that you will have the most experienced and humane obstetrician will help you overcome the anxiety.

Of course, such a visualization will not change the essence of a 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 like that for you.

An accidental pregnancy can strain both a purposeful, ambitious woman, seeking to self-actualize in work, and an infantile woman who is not ready for motherhood. The opposite view of the situation will help to overcome excitement.The child, already in your womb, needs your love and protection and is looking forward to meeting you - the main person who will be waiting for him in this world. After all, the main purpose of a woman is motherhood. Accepting your feminine, maternal essence will dispel all anxieties and fears.

The material side of the question at the birth of a child, of course, is important, just as it is important that the child has a father. If a woman is faced with material difficulties before childbirth or with the prospect of raising the baby alone, then this situation cannot but upset the future mommy, which adversely affects her and her child's well-being. To get rid of fears associated with the conditions of raising a child, one should not get lost, but 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 mothers; in the same place, ask if they have contacts of a social lawyer and, if necessary, consult with them about their rights; enlist the support of loved ones and tune in to the coming to this world of a new miracle - your child. After all, what he most needs is a loving mother. And with love, any obstacles can be overcome!

A girl who is afraid of losing her attractiveness should visit the school of expectant mothers, where she can get information about keeping fit after giving birth. Gymnastics for pregnant women will also help to gain self-confidence. Watching yourself is necessary, but it is still important to remember that the man who chose you as the spouse and expectant mother of his children lives more waiting for the joy of the birth of a baby.

• If possible, attend the courses of future mothers. Communication with experts and other pregnant women will give a feeling of confidence and peace.
• Remember that releasing the hormone of joy during childbirth anesthetizes pain in a natural way.
• Your relationship 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 by an effort of will. You need to tell yourself that your child is your responsibility. And that means that in your hands is his and your destiny. Every person has enough strength in nature to overcome any difficulties.
• Your child already hears and feels you. Say good words to him. Say that you love him and wait for his birth.
• Surround yourself with pleasant, tender sensations. Take a walk in the fresh air when there is a need for it, eat healthy, enjoyable food, get enough rest. Include classical music - it will calm you and the child.

Excitement before childbirth - quite normal. Most often, anxiety before childbirth is manifested by irritability, sensitivity, or, conversely, a desire to distance itself from the world. It is possible to overcome this state by arming yourself with useful information and invoking sanity and a positive attitude as assistants.

Read more about the causes and methods of struggle of the fear of childbirth, see below.