How To Overcome The Fear Of Giving Birth?

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist María Alejandra Castro Arbeláez.

Written by Gladys González

Last update: 27 December, 2022

Most pregnant women begin to feel afraid as their due date approaches, which affects their mood and peace of mind. That’s why it’s important for us to know how to overcome the fear of giving birth. This wonderful moment should be faced with courage.

Although the fear immediately disappears when you hear your baby’s first cries, it is normal for you to worry about the things that you’re unsure about.

This is especially true during childbirth, as there is a lot of worry regarding what can go wrong from the moment the contractions begin until the moment the child leaves the womb.

The fear of pain is the most common fear amongst pregnant women

We shouldn’t forget that a woman’s body is designed to perform this act, therefore self-confidence is the first key to having a great delivery.

We often wonder how our grandmothers and mothers could have had so many children without remembering the discomfort they felt. The answer is simple and it has to do with the power of the body.

Giving birth is a blessing that tests the inner strength of your heart – the desire to see your baby that has been growing inside of you for 9 months.

The desire that nothing bad happens to them and to see how dreams come true when you finally hear your baby cry are all sufficient reasons for you to empower yourself when it comes time to perform this transcendental act.

Tips to overcome the fear of giving birth

There is a long list of fears that are associated with giving birth, however the most common fear is that of pain.

Other factors can also cause expecting mothers to be afraid: for example, the thoughts of complications, the unknown, not living up to her expectations or an unhealthy birth.

We compiled a series of questions that usually appear when the most beautiful day of your life approaches.

What happens if it is a false alarm?

If you start to feel any discomforts or weird sensations, do not be ashamed, go to the clinic. In the last weeks of your pregnancy, the clinic is working at maximum effort in order to prepare for this special event. Sometimes, you might feel the first contractions but that doesn’t mean the body is completely ready.

What happens if you don’t get to the hospital in time?

Usually, labor is preceded by different symptoms such as the secretion of flow (mucous plug), water breaking, frequent pain in constant intervals, etc. You should always have the phone number of your obstetrician on hand in order to tell them what you are feeling.

Is it possible to stay calm inside the delivery room?

You will be surrounded by a team of professionals who will guide you minute by minute. They will be prepared to attend to you at all times.

What happens if you want to cry?

Remember that your baby feels all of your emotions. Try to stay calm and not transmit your worries. You two are a team until the last second.

Is the episiotomy painful?

This incision made in the perineum also prevents possible vaginal tears. It is done with local anesthesia or with an epidural.

What happens if the baby doesn’t cry?

Don’t worry about this. All babies are different; some of them cry inconsolably and others are born with absolute tranquility.

Recommendations to overcome fear

Expectant mothers need to receive guidance during the gestational process. This will prevent them from harboring unnecessary fears and unfounded myths.

It is also worthwhile to practice certain activities such as yoga or joining a pregnancy women’s group in order to share and talk about expectations about delivery.

Connect with your energy and enjoy your birth

You should rest whenever you have a chance to. You can also do things that keep you excited for the delivery.

Hold a baby shower, buy baby clothes, organize the baby’s room, do a photo session – you can do whatever you want.

Parents will discover the true face of nature when it comes time to meet the new member of their family. The body is wise and it knows how to get you through the process.

Trust yourself, the best is yet to come…