Up to 60% of women experience fear of childbirth.
Now researchers have uncovered why some women are more likely to remain confident and calm in the lead up to giving birth.
“We found that lower fear of childbirth is strongly associated with positive mental well-being, belief in the use of birthing techniques, and confidence in using those techniques during labour. Among these, positive mental well-being was the strongest predictor of reduced fear, followed by one’s belief in the ability to use birthing techniques during labour,” Katrina E Forbes-McKay, PhD, lead author of the study and a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Robert Gordon University told Theravive.
“Fear of childbirth affects about 60% of women globally. Given its association with negative outcomes such as prolonged labour, caesarean section and postpartum mental health issues, it’s really important that we identify the factors that reduce or prevent it.”
In a global study that is the first of its kind, researchers from the University of South Australia and Robert Gordon University in Scotland surveyed 88 pregnant women in the third trimester to investigate the factors that helped ease fears relating to childbirth.
The study is published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
The researchers examined the link between mental wellbeing, the woman’s belief in her own ability to manage the challenges of labour and the fear of childbirth.
12% of those surveyed displayed a severe fear of childbirth.
But the researchers found that those who were confident, positive and had meaningful relationships reported fewer concerns about childbirth than their peers.
“Although many women believe birthing techniques like breathing and relaxation can help, doubting their ability to use them during labour increases fear. It’s not just knowing what to do—it’s believing you can do it that makes the difference,” Forbes-McKay said.
The study was conducted in the UK, but the researchers hope to undertake larger scale studies to examine the findings in a broader population of pregnant women.
They argue their findings could help provide insights into how improvements could be made to antenatal care to help women boost their confidence and experience positive emotions in the lead up to child birth.
“Antenatal education should go beyond teaching techniques; it should empower women to believe in their ability to use them. This can be achieved by allowing them time to perform and master birthing techniques such as breathing, visualisation and relaxation, watching others successfully using them, and sharing positive birth stories. By fostering positive emotions, confidence and purpose, antennal education can play a key role in reducing childbirth-related fear,” Forbes-McKay said.
“By focusing on strengths like positive emotional well-being, having purpose and confidence, we can lower childbirth fear, enhance birth experiences and improve outcomes for mothers and babies. In line with WHO priorities, our findings highlight the need for antenatal education that promotes both physical and mental health and well-being.”
The researchers say one way women can boost their psychological wellbeing when pregnant and preparing for childbirth is by attending appropriate classes.
“We have conducted other research that shows attending Antenatal Relaxation Classes (ARC) can significantly enhance maternal psychological well-being,” Dr Mo Tabib, a midwifery lecturer at Robert Gordon University told Theravive.
“This improvement is driven by increasing women’s understanding of childbirth physiology, exposure to positive birth stories, and practising relaxation techniques, which help women feel more confident, less fearful, and more positive throughout the childbirth journey.”