Are you an expecting mom who is afraid of childbirth? Don’t worry you are not alone. There are many women who go through this anxiety. This is Tokophobia.
What is Tokophobia?
Tokophobia is fear of childbirth. Mothers with Tokophobia try their best to avoid pregnancy. This phobia may affect both male and female. However, the most prominent victims are the women. Here are some very important details about Tokophobia. This will help, if you are suffering from the anxiety of child birth.
Types of Tokophobia
Tokophobia is of two types:
- Primary- Occurs to the expecting mothers for the first time.
- Secondary- Occurs after experiencing childbirth.
What are the causes?
There is no particular reason for this phobia. It develops due to different factors. Such as fear of the pain, negative thoughts, presumptions etc. There may be other factors as well. These factors are like:
History of Sexual Abuse
Women who were raped or sexually abused often have tokophobia. They feel ashamed to become pregnant. They also try to hide their pregnancy.
Bad Birth Experience
This may happen if you have secondary Tokophobia. This can occur after a miscarriage, abortion or stillbirth.
Past Anxiety and Depression
If you have prior anxiety or depression, it can increase the phobia. Prenatal depression can also cause tokophobia.
Medical Fears
Tokophobia is common in mothers who face medical malpractices. They don’t trust the medical experts.
How to know if you have Tokophobia?
Tokophobia has many indicators. Extreme mental fear is the biggest one. Apart from this some common symptoms are:
- Mood Swings
- Insomnia
- Nightmare
- Panic Attacks
- Increase in Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue and body pain
- Minimise Sexual Activities
- Minimal attachment towards the baby
- No excitement about being pregnant
- Seeks abortion
- Choose c-section birth over normal delivery without any complications
How to cope with the phobia?
The best way to get over your fear is to talk about your fear. Talk with someone compassionate and understanding. This is the best way to cope. Try creating a positive environment around yourself. Be happy. Be full of life.
Well, you may not be having any phobias. But you may have your fair share of anxieties. Worrying about the birthing process is common. Try to reduce your worries.
You can try talking with your OBGYN. Talking with people with experience always help. You know what to expect. You can know about various relief options to helpful during pregnancy. This can help with your tokophobia.
What are the treatments for Tokophobia?
- Your doctor can give you antidepressants. These help with balancing brain chemicals that causes mood swings.
- Your mental health practitioner can offer you Hypnotherapy. This helps you to relax. This is a way to explore your subconscious mind and answer your fears.
- Yoga and meditation are other great ways to handle your fear.
Can I prevent Tokophobia?
You may not prevent it but you can handle it. Proper treatment and guidance can lower your anxiety.
Is Tokophobia curable?
Yes, it is. It might be the result of extreme anxiety. But there is good news. It is curable. Some ways that can help you in tackling tokophobia are:
- Therapy
- Medication
- Prenatal classes
- Guided tour of birthing centres
- Help groups
For more information about pregnancy or birthing related information, book your Tele appointment today!