Advice on How to Overcome Your Fear of Childbirth

In many cases, fear of childbirth produces a high level of anxiety that can have harmful effects on the mother. But knowing this doesn’t help to reduce the anxiety itself.

Many women don’t know how to calm their fears about giving birth, especially when they’re first-time mothers.

As a child’s due date approaches, it’s normal to feel a certain level of fear or uncertainty about labor and delivery. Worrying about the unknown is typical and understandable.

However, problems can occur when the fear is disproportionate to the situation and the woman feels authentically terrified.

Talking about these feelings and letting the fears out is one way to deal with anxiety about childbirth. Being adequately informed about what happens during labor is also important.

That way, the mother can avoid erroneous ideas or misconceptions that only produce even more worry and fear of childbirth.

A false alarm

One of the most common fears that women have as their due date gets close has to do with false alarms. What happens if I go to the hospital and it ends up being a false alarm. The honest answer is: Nothing. 

No health professional should ever criticize a woman for mistakingly thinking the time had arrived. If you’re experiencing symptoms and discomfort that indicate you may be going into labor, then you should call your doctor or go to the hospital.

Knowledge and confidence

Experts suggest that pregnant women and their partners visit the maternity ward where their child will be born. That way, they can become familiar with the surroundings beforehand and have a clearer vision of how things will be.

See the birthing rooms, the hospital rooms and the nursery helps to reduce anxiety by providing knowledge and building confidence.

At the same time, if the fear of childbirth is very intense, it can be harmful to the woman’s body. 

Stress produces muscle tension and has other physiological effects as well, such as increased heart rate and sweating. There are natural remedies that can help you avoid these symptoms.

Reducing your fear and anxiety will help your body be better prepared and the pain will disappear.

Tips for overcoming the fear of childbirth

As you can see, it’s important to be well-informed, espcially when it comes to the actual act of giving birth. Don’t hesitate to discuss any questions you may have with your OB/GYN.

• During pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to attend birthing classes. Among other things, the class will help you understand that pregnancy and birth are natural processes. You’ll learn to relax and breathe properly, which will help reduce your fears about giving birth.
• There are different relaxation techniques that you can try to relieve your state of anxiety. Furthermore, these techniques help to control negative emotions.
• Listening to the experiences of other women can be helpful in a number of ways. But you must remember that every woman is different, as is every pregnancy. Stay away from negative experiences, as listening to those will do nothing to help.
• Lean on your partner for support. Fathers have a key role during pregnancy. You can share your fears with your partner and get things off your chest. Your partner can also help you gain a new perspective.
• If your fears about childbirth are so intense that they’re affecting your ability to rest or carry out other activities, talk with your doctor. He or she may suggest you see a specialist that can provide more specific assistance.

Physical and mental preparation

There’s no reason to be pessemistic or fear the worst. Blood work, ultrasounds and other prenatal studies are all meant to assure you that everything is okay.

Don’t forget that not even 3 percent of births involve complications.

Women who have a negative outlook on birth are often more prone to pain. Try to think positively, as this causes your body to release more oxytocin. The oxytocin hormone is helpful in reducing pain.

It’s also important to prepare your body phsyically for giving birth. Physical preparation includes working the muscles in your legs and buttox.

Premature birth

In the event that your child’s arrival comes early, there’s no reason to fear. Put your trust in the hands of the medical staff. These situations demand that you stay calm and cool headed. 

If you’re experiencing premature birth, it’s better not to make conjectures or become distressed. The medical staff will know what’s best to do everything within their means for both you and your baby. 

There are several options: Administering oxytocin to produce contractions, performing a C-section, etc.

Once your baby is born, it’s important that he or she receives close medical attention. Therefore, your baby may need to spend some time in an incubator to avoid health risks. 

Although leaving your baby in the hospital is never easier, you must understand that your baby will be in the best place and in the greatest hands.