For some women, pregnancy and giving birth could be a milestone. They are probably looking forward to experiencing it. However, this is not the case for all women. Pregnancy and giving birth can be a cause of anxiety and stress to some.
The inexplainable fear of pregnancy and giving birth is called tokophobia.
This type of fear causes women to avoid being pregnant or to choose Caesarian section delivery to avoid vaginal birth.
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What causes tokophobia in women?
Researchers have conducted several studies to explain the causes of tokophobia. The following are some causes:
- Hearing traumatizing encounters.
Some women who hear the struggles of other moms tend to be afraid of the process already. Stories that sound very traumatizing can also bring fear to women who haven't even given birth yet. Even though they have not experienced giving birth, they are already fearful of what might happen when they experience it too.
- Some women are having a fear of enduring pain when giving birth.
Since there are stories which also tell how painful giving birth is, some women may even start worrying about this.
- Previous or existing psychiatric conditions could also be a cause of this dread.
Conditions like anxiety and depression may also trigger this fear in some women.
What are the types of this phobia?
There are two types of tokophobia, depending on when the woman started developing the fear of pregnancy and giving birth.
- Primary - this type occurs even when women have not endured pregnancy yet. Aside from those who have developed it during adolescence, women who also had traumatic experiences like assault or rape can form the primary type.
- Secondary - this type is generated by those who have previously undergone giving birth and pregnancy. Painful labor or delivery may cause a fear of pregnancy and giving birth. Sometimes, those who had a miscarriage or went through several fertility treatments that failed may also experience this concern.
Aside from these two types, some men endure this worry as well. Men who are severely afraid of their baby and partner may also experience this kind of fear.
What factors contribute to the development of this f?
Several factors can cause a fear of pregnancy and giving birth. According to experts, some of these are:
- history of depression,
- other concerns like pain,
- the scare of health complications,
- worry for the life of an infant,
- hormonal changes in the body, and
- psychological factors
Can tokophobia be treated?
According to experts, there are treatments available for this kind of aversion. The procedures are essential for mothers who are already carrying a child. That is to ensure the safety of both the baby and the mother.
Mental health professionals help address this kind of fear.
Aside from these, experts say that support to women is essential in addressing the fear of pregnancy and giving birth. Women who feel supported also have a fulfilled sense of self-efficacy.
According to the website, Motherly, there are other ways to address anxiety during pregnancy. One is by finding the joy that pregnancy brings. While doing so, mothers should also try sharing what they feel. Through this, their fear will not be too much to handle.
