Fear Of Childbirth: How To Face Your Anxiety

Fear of childbirth is very common. In fact, almost all pregnant women are at least a little scared.

When it comes to first-time mothers, that fear can be magnified by a lack of experience. When you face this incredible experience for the first time, it is easy to let your head fill with thoughts that only increase your anxiety.

The estimated day of your birth is fast approaching. You have feared childbirth throughout your pregnancy, but now it is more real, more intense.

But stay calm, we know how it is and we want to help you prepare for this special moment despite fear of childbirth.

Why am I so afraid of childbirth?

It seems like a contradiction – we long for the arrival of our baby, but at the same time we are also terrified of that moment.

But there are many reasons behind this irony. Here are some specific fears that many expectant mothers usually experience:

• Fear of pain. That is an indisputable fact. Childbirth hurts. They hurt a lot. When your baby is ready to come out, your body will undergo heroic changes to help your baby be born. And those changes hurt.
• Fear of the unknown. Not knowing what to do, what will happen, what steps to follow… all this gives rise to uncertainty and therefore frightens us.

• Fear of complications. No doubt you have wondered if something could go wrong. The idea that things may not go according to plan, or that they may take longer than expected, is frightening.
• Fear that something will happen to the child. This is something we fear from the moment we discover that we have a baby in our womb. But as our date of birth approaches, that fear grows. The thought that something will happen to your child can literally keep you awake all night.

• Fear that something will happen to you. And if something happens to me? What happens to my baby then? Our bodies are biologically prepared for childbirth, but no one can guarantee that things will go as planned. Birth is an extremely wonderful and complex act, but we can not deny that there are sometimes dangers and risks.
• Fear of not knowing how to take care of your baby. Carrying your baby in your womb is relatively easy. It really does not need much training or skill. But when your baby is outside your body, you may wonder if you will be able to take care of it properly.

How do you meet your fear of childbirth

Things you should not do:

“I’ve heard stories of mothers who had really bad experiences – I’m sure it will be the same for me.” Even if you believed everything you heard, you would not be able to do anything. Your personal experience is yours alone and it is unique. Listening to others only reinforces your fear of childbirth.

“And think again…” All “think again” is a way for us to worry about things that have not even happened and probably will not happen. And even if they do, the anxiety and stress of it is worse than the risk itself. Uncertainty brings fear.

“I do not think I can handle the pain.” This is a pain you have never experienced before. Do not assume that you will not be able to handle it, because it will only increase your fear. And this is something you inevitably have to face.

“I will not be a good enough mother.” No mother is perfect – but being a good mother has a lot more to do with instinct than you think. Doubting your abilities only increases your insecurities and, of course, your fears.

Things you should do:

Attend preparatory classes. The teachers will explain what will happen, step by step. You will be able to ask all the questions you need and get the best advice to make things easier for you and your baby.

Be honest about your fear of childbirth. Talking openly about your worries will reduce your anxiety levels. It will also give those around you the opportunity to give you the support you need.

The best people to turn to are your partner, friends and everyone else who has experienced a birth.

Prepare everything so that it is ready for your baby’s arrival. Rather than focusing on the unknown or the specific fears you may have, think of all the beautiful moments that come. Do not give yourself time to get caught up in your fear of childbirth.

Enjoy imagining how your life will change for the better with the arrival of your son or daughter.

Also, remember that the medical staff will be with you during every step of the way to help you and your baby.

Not for a second during childbirth and labor will you be alone. There will be specialists there to guide and help you, and you will know what to do to bring your child into the world.