Tokophobia: The Phobia Of Pregnancy And Childbirth

Last updated by Lauren Hart

Are you afraid of giving birth? Deep down, we’re all a bit scared. But if this fear seems irrational, you may suffer from tokophobia. Beyond the typical anxiety of mothers-to-be, yours is very intense. A sickly fear of suffering or even death, a premonition that you won’t be a good mother... Tokophobia is thought to affect between 2.5% and 14% of women and casts a shadow over plans to have children, pregnancies, and life in general. How can this phobia be detected and overcome? Let’s talk about it.

Tokophobia: The Phobia Of Pregnancy And Childbirth

What is tokophobia (or tokophobia)?

Tokophobia or tocophobia has a simple definition, as it literally means “phobia of childbirth”.

📌
According to researchers at the University of Liverpool’s Better Births Center, the number of people suffering from tokophobia is rising all the time. At Liverpool Maternity Hospital, for example, cases of this phobia have increased by 40% over the last three years...

Most mothers-to-be experience anxiety, but in this case, the fear is extreme and persistent. This phobia is linked to fear of pain, fear of death, and the link between sexuality and childbirth. It’s characterized by an irrational fear following a confrontation with specific objects, actions, or situations. This can lead to sudden panic, triggering an anxiety attack.

The 3 types of tokophobia

We all feel anxious about giving birth, with the contractions and the uncertainty of the process, but some of us may have a paralyzing fear that interferes with our desire to become pregnant or with the smooth running of the pregnancy. However, not everyone experiences phobia in the same way. There are 3 types of tokophobia:

  • Primary tokophobia: This is often observed in women who have never given birth. Fear of childbirth generally stems from traumatic experiences in the past.
  • Secondary tokophobia: These women have generally had a traumatic experience during a previous birth which has triggered a fear of giving birth again.
  • Tokophobia as a symptom of antenatal depression: The woman realizes her pregnancy and the responsibilities it entails, and thinks she isn’t capable of taking on this role.

👋 You may be interested in this article: I don't want to leave my baby!

The tokophobia test: how to know if you’re affected?

As many women are afraid of childbirth, or even pregnancy, it’s sometimes difficult to know whether you’re actually affected by it. However, there are clear signs that you’re more at risk of suffering from tokophobia if you have:

  • ✅ A fear of being hurt,
  • ✅ A fear of pain and complications during childbirth,
  • ✅ A history of anxiety, depression or mood disorders,
  • ✅ Already had a traumatic experience of childbirth,
  • ✅ Already had a traumatic experience such as sexual assault,
  • ✅ Heard negative testimonials that biased your views,
  • ✅ A lack of information during pregnancy.

The consequences of this phobia

Tokophobia can cause anxiety, insomnia and eating disorders, among other things. Vomiting may accompany pregnancy, a sign of strong rejection of the pregnancy. Indeed, while some consequences are visible, others are invisible, such as antenatal depression. The person with a phobia will suffer a great deal, which can lead to postpartum depression following childbirth.

During pregnancy, there may be a lack of attachment to the developing fetus, or even worse. Anxiety-provoking thoughts can lead the mother-to-be to terminate her pregnancy out of fear rather than choice. Of course, everyone’s free to do what they want with their body, but in this case it’s the phobia that leads to the abortion.

Tokophobia: treatments and solutions

Treating tokophobia seems insurmountable, especially when the patient’s already pregnant. However, nothing’s impossible, as you can undergo cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) before or during your pregnancy. The therapist will be able to reduce your anxiety by working on the ideas that fuel your fears. In the case of secondary tokophobia, there’s post-traumatic stress, so it’s best to turn to EMDR therapy, which targets the trauma.

1. Get reassurance from competent medical staff

Some patients need to be reassured that they have as much information as possible. It may therefore be worth visiting the obstetrics department and talking to the midwives and obstetricians during your pregnancy. Good monitoring, with birth preparation adapted to your temperament, can help you overcome this fear.

2. Practice relaxation

There’s nothing like a session of prenatal yoga or sophrology to relieve stress. Admittedly, these are secondary solutions, but if they can help you evacuate the toxins accumulated by anxiety, they can only be beneficial. It will allow you to let go of everything that doesn’t need to be there 🧘‍♀️.

3. Get support

If you haven’t already done so, involve the father-to-be in this adventure and share your anxieties with him, so that he can help you deal with them more effectively. You should know that paternity leave can be a beneficial solution to help you on a day-to-day basis. You may think that no one else is experiencing this intense fear, but you’re not alone. Friends, family and doctors are there to listen to you, so don’t isolate yourself. Talking about it is comforting and very beneficial.

Editor’s note – Don’t let fear dictate your choices

Pregnancy and childbirth are milestones in your life. Of course, these are important times when you can experience things you’re not used to, but anxiety will only make things worse. That’s why it’s important to learn to distance yourself from your anxious thoughts and the anticipation you have about these stages. Don’t hesitate to consult a therapist for guidance in overcoming this state of mind, which can have such a negative impact on your life. Getting rid of your fear and regaining the upper hand are essential if you’re to lead your life the way you want to and be fully happy!

🤗 Understanding yourself, accepting yourself, being happy... It’s here and now!

#BornToBeMe

Be sure to read these articles too;

Article presented by Lauren Hart

Writing is a beautiful means of expression that I cannot do without. It has allowed me to channel my hypersensitivity, plus I love writing about psychology and personal development. For me, self-understanding is the best way to move forward!

Read our latest articles here:

Psychological Abuse: Identify It To Get Out Of It

A little belittling remark here, minimizing our emotions there... So many little things that show us that we’re being psychologically abused. It may seem trivial, but that’s the problem. We downplay it too much, which makes it the most common type of abuse. So, how do you identify psychological abuse? What should you do if you’re a victim? Let’s explain.

Behavioral Disorders: The List & Their Definitions

I suffer from an eating disorder, and several people around me have a mood disorder. I’m not completely unfamiliar with behavioral disorders, or at least not these. However, there are several types of disorders and they can even affect sexual behavior. So how do you define them? Here’s a list and some definitions related to behavioral disorders.

8 Reasons Why Malignant Narcissists Are So Dangerous

If the title of this article hasn’t totally scared you away, then you are no doubt wondering what this beast of a person is really like. Well, a malignant narcissist is a step up from a typical narcissist and adds an antisocial personality disorder to the already intimidating mixture. Combined, these two personality disorders represent the relentless need for control, admiration, and power for selfish reasons, making folks with this diagnosis that bit scarier than classic manipulators. Here’s why these people are so terrifying, and how you can get your own back on them.

What Are The Weaknesses Of A Narcissist?

Each one of us has our own weaknesses that hold us back in life; be it at work or in relationships. However, on a more positive note, most of us have the will to work on them and transform them. That being said, once narcissists are brought into the picture, the idea that they want to work on their weaknesses doesn’t exactly seem feasible. For a deeper understanding of these narcissists and more insights into the workings of their minds, discover their weak spots and which pointers they struggle with on a daily basis, yet aren't willing to admit or work on.

I’m Nostalgic; But How Can I Stop Looking Back?

Whenever I have trouble sleeping, whenever I’m bored or whenever my thoughts wander, it’s not uncommon for me to find myself reliving my childhood vacations, or a delightful weekend in bed or even my wedding day. Sometimes I even shed a tear thinking about these moments in my past… Yes, I’m nostalgic, and I love revisiting memories, but that has to stop! Discover the steps to put in place if you want to live in the present!

I Never Thought I’d Say This, But I Hate Working From Home…

Work has always been a synonym of repression for me because it takes up so much of our precious time. Let’s be honest, a 9-5 job with a horrendous daily commute often means that work is sadly our sole occupation. So, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck over a year ago, and we were all ordered to stay home, I found it hard to hide my joy in front of my distraught coworkers; although thankfully my acting talents saved me. You can probably already tell, but going into the office every day was nothing less than torture for me. Yet, all these months later, I’ve realized that I despise working from home and would do anything to sit in my uncomfortable office chair once again!

Do We Always Need To Have The Last Word?

Today, I’m focussing on a habit that drives me crazy: wanting to have the last word. It’s probably because I’m not very good at comebacks or self-confident enough that I’m both fascinated and annoyed by people who always want to be right. But why do they always want to have the last word? What’s behind it?

I Still Suck My Thumb As An Adult

In general, thumb sucking ends around the age of 6. I say “in general” and not “normally”, because as an adult I don’t feel weird or particularly bothered by it. When I get stressed, I allow myself to let go and return to my childhood self by sucking my thumb. Those who know about it or catch me by surprise make me realize I should be ashamed… But is this habit a big deal? What if it makes me feel better? It’s certainly no worse than lighting up a cigarette or biting your nails…

Why Do Hugs And Physical Contact Make Me Feel Uncomfortable?

There are people who don’t like to be touched at all, and who are almost disgusted by physical contact. There are people who like to caress and be caressed for anything and everything, and there are people like me who always recoil when someone tries to touch them. Why do I shy away from physical contact? What if it’s all linked to the past?

10 Examples Of Text Messages A Narcissist Sends

Narcissists definitely move with the times, which is why many of them constantly troll dating sites for new victims. Chatting with a manipulator of this magnitude can be a rollercoaster experience, with dizzying heights that might lead you to believe you are in love, to gut-wrenching lows which will make you question your worth. For any raving narcissist, text message exchanges are a great way to reel in victims and follow through with their master plans for ultimate control over them. Are you texting someone you suspect to be a narcissist? The examples below could confirm your suspicions.

Wengood's favorite tunes 🎵

Wengood's playlist

wengood

  1. Only LoveBen Howard
    4:08
  2. Invalid date
  3. Fix YouColdplay
    4:55
  4. Beautiful DayU2
    4:08
  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
    4:41
  6. White FlagDido
    4:00
  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
    4:13
  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
    3:17
  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
    3:35
  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
    4:24
  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
    3:07
  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
    4:37
  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
    3:46
  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
    2:19
  15. With Or Without YouU2
    4:56
  16. HelloAdele
    4:55
  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
    3:29
  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
    3:21
  19. WingsBirdy
    4:12
  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
    3:41


"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." 

- Oscar Wilde


How to detect a narcissist

How to detect a narcissist

How to soothe an anxiety attack

How to soothe an anxiety attack