The fear of childbirth, or tocophobia, is a common feeling that pregnant women often experience. starting from the last quarter, and it can lead to a more or less intense state of anxiety. Preparing for childbirth by choosing the hospital facility, attending a childbirth preparation class with other expectant mothers, and gathering as much information as possible about labor can help you overcome the fear of childbirth.

Tocophobia or fear of childbirth: what it is and how to face it with more serenity

Pregnancy is an event that involves numerous psychosomatic changes in a woman and that characterize the different stages of pregnancy. The many emotions that a woman expecting a baby has to manage, such as fluctuating mood and increased sensitivity , are simply an expression of the emotional lability typical of this period. The closer delivery gets, the more these emotional disturbances can intensify anxiety; however, in some women, this natural psychological response can turn into a true and proper fear of childbirth and everything that revolves around it, starting with labor.

This uncontrollable fear is called tocophobia , from the Greek tókos (childbirth) and phobos (fear): a true and proper obsession with childbirth that goes beyond physiological fear . Tocophobia can also affect women who are having their second or subsequent childbirth, especially when previous birth experiences have not been the best.

It is possible to control and overcome tocophobia with some precautions; let's look at them together:

• attending a childbirth preparation course helps reduce fears and clarify doubts. In fact, guidance from midwives and the opportunity to compare experiences with other expectant mothers can increase awareness of what childbirth and the delicate labor process involve, and help you understand that your fears are shared by many other women. Additionally, the opportunity to visit the ward and the delivery room, especially for those experiencing it for the first time, helps you become familiar with the environment and builds confidence ;

• preparing for childbirth by attending a yoga class allows you to take care of your psychophysical well-being and approach childbirth with more serenity. These Eastern disciplines, through poses and meditation, help reduce pain with proper breathing techniques, relieve back pain, and keep the pelvic floor trained;

• think positively . It is true that each birth is unique and unforeseen events can happen, but just as you face life calmly while being aware of the risks involved, you can also try to maintain this positivity when thinking about the moment of birth. Surround yourself with sensitive people who don’t feel the need to share every detail of their birth experience—especially when it wasn’t a positive one—or dispense advice indiscriminately, making you feel more nervous and insecure;

• There is pain. it's true : the pains of the prodromal phase are comparable to those of a menstrual cycle, while those of the dilation phase are very similar to the pain of a very severe colic. But these are physiological pains of childbirth . Remember that your body is designed to handle the birth of a baby, and that the maximum duration of labor is normally 8-10 hours. Additionally, in the delivery room you are surrounded by professionals, and you can consider different modes of delivery (such as water birth) that may alleviate pain, or alternatively consider pharmacological solutions like epidural anesthesia—always under strict medical supervision;

• Create a birth plan , also called a birth plan. It is a document that outlines all your preferences regarding labor and delivery, as well as the initial care to be provided to your newborn, such as initiating breastfeeding. It is a practice that offers many benefits because it allows you to approach each delicate phase of childbirth with more confidence and awareness.

Hypnobirthing and its benefits

The concept of hypnobirthing is based on the discoveries of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read (1890-1959). According to the English gynecologist, childbirth does not necessarily have to be associated with pain and, consequently, should not cause fear in women. Fear triggers tension in women before and during childbirth, which can cause the birth canal to narrow.

According to the theory of Dick-Read , this cycle of fear - tension - pain must be broken . In his opinion, fears often arise from a lack of information and thorough childbirth preparation. Marie Mongan further developed this approach in her book "Hypnobirthing: A Celebration of Life" , published in 1989. Even today, many hypnobirthing courses are based on the Mongan method.

What are the objectives of Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing aims to support women in giving birth without fear. Through intensive training on the childbirth process and a better understanding of their own bodies, women can learn to follow their sensations during labor and, therefore, give birth in an intuitive and self-determined way. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also taught.

Feeling confident and well-prepared for childbirth helps many women stay relaxed and, in turn, break the cycle of fear mentioned above. Optimally, hypnobirthing can lead to a shorter birth process, less pain, and a quicker recovery after childbirth. However, the use of hypnobirthing techniques does not promise a painless birth.

Will you not realize you're in labor because you are hypnotized?

The word hypno- evokes stereotypical associations in everyday use; hypnosis is often linked to loss of consciousness, manipulation, and esotericism. In reality, it is a form of deep relaxation. Even when you are completely absorbed, you may daydream and enter a kind of hypnotic trance state. In principle, self-hypnosis techniques are exercises that allow for particularly deep and complete relaxation; full awareness and control are maintained at all times.

How does hypnobirthing work?

Hypnobirthing is based on a wide variety of relaxation methods, breathing techniques, and thought strategies that promote a positive mental attitude and help women prepare for birth.

For example, contractions are called waves, because the term labor already implies pain and can therefore trigger negative thoughts. To mentally support the birthing process, visualizations are also used, such as the image of a flower opening, which represents the opening of the cervix. Additionally, sharing knowledge about the birthing process is an important pillar of hypnobirthing.

The partner or a family member present at the birth plays an important role in hypnobirthing by actively supporting relaxation. This can happen, for example, through the so-called massage "light touch" , in which the birthing woman's back is gently stroked to trigger goosebumps. Many women find it pleasant and relaxing.

By practicing the techniques regularly at home in the weeks and months leading up to the birth (perhaps with your partner or the person who will accompany you during labor), you will be able to recall them automatically later and return to a state of relaxation. Try the techniques that work best for you, because not all methods work the same way for every woman.

Many women enjoy soft, relaxing music to accompany breathing and relaxation exercises. To support you during hypnobirthing, we have prepared a suitable playlist for you on Spotify. Listen and relax. :)

Natural birth or cesarean: what are the differences

If there are no contraindications, in the case of a normal pregnancy, natural childbirth is the least risky choice for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, it is better to reserve the cesarean section —which is still a surgical procedure and not without risks—only for cases in which it is truly indicated. The World Health Organization has estimated a recommended rate of cesarean sections between 15-20% of total births.

Natural childbirth: tips to handle it best

What are the signs that indicate the beginning of labor?

The moment of labor is approaching, and the signs that herald its beginning can be as diverse as the expulsion of the mucus plug, the breaking of the waters, or the onset of contractions ; however, it is not always necessary to rush to the hospital.

Losing the mucus plug does not necessarily indicate the start of labor, which can indeed occur even several days later.

When the amniotic sac breaks during labor, the fluid that escapes helps facilitate the baby's expulsion through the birth canal; however, if this happens before the onset of labor, it is advisable to go to the emergency room.

In case of contractions, it is recommended to stay at home until they become more regular and closer together , lasting about a minute and occurring every 3-4 minutes. In this case, it is advisable to go to the hospital.

Is it possible to eat during labor or the prodromal phase?

Often during these phases, there may be a spontaneous emptying of the intestine that prepares the body for the expulsion of the newborn. In rarer cases, episodes of nausea and vomiting may also occur. However, it is important to make an effort to eat and drink something to have the necessary energy to face childbirth (because you do not know how long it may last), provided that labor is low-risk and therefore under conditions of absolute physiology. It is advisable to prefer easily digestible foods such as crackers, bread, cereals, and low-fat cheeses, and to drink refreshing beverages like water, decaffeinated tea, and fruit juices, without overdoing it.

Positions for childbirth: how to relieve the pain

During the various stages of labor and delivery, you can adopt different positions that help you feel more comfortable, breathe better, and have more strength for the delicate moment of expulsion.

There is no position that is better than another; each expectant mother senses what feels most right for her body, and midwives, with their experience and by observing the progress of labor, can advise the woman to adopt one position rather than another.

• During the prodromal phase of labor it is possible to lie on your side.

• In the dilating phase it may be necessary to change position several times. Often, staying upright helps the baby move down more easily, but you may not always have the strength to remain standing. That is why it is recommended to lie on your side when you are tired, or adopt a kneeling position to enjoy a massage.

• During the expulsion phase it is possible to assume crouched positions or lie on the bed, but it is always important to rely on the who assisted you throughout labor and know what is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions