Fear of childbirth

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

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Afraid of childbirth and birth pains? As much as pregnant women look forward to their child, many look forward to the day of delivery with anxiety - especially with the first child. But there are several things you can do to reduce your fears and anxieties - from relaxation techniques to medication and talking to a psychologist. Read more about childbirth fear!

Insecurity or fear of childbirth

With the first child everything is new - the growing abdominal girth, pregnancy problems, the child's first kicks and then of course the birth process. Insecurity or fear of childbirth is very understandable. Relatives, friends, books, the Internet as well as gynecologists and midwives can answer many questions, but they cannot always completely take away the fears of a pregnant woman.

What are you afraid of?

Before giving birth, women often plague themselves with various fears: How severe will the pain be? How long will the delivery be? What if the child is not healthy? Your doctor can usually relieve you of the latter fear to a large extent during the preventive check-ups, if he finds that the child is doing gymnastics in the belly and is developing normally. Your health is also in good hands with your doctor. If you are still unsure: do not be afraid to contact your doctor or midwife and tell them about your fears!

Fear of childbirth and pain

How painful a birth will be cannot be predicted and varies from woman to woman. But there are different methods of anxiety and pain relief.

Muscle relaxation

A simple technique is to consciously relax the muscles during each pause in labor. This is because muscle spasms take up energy and cause pain. You will learn relaxation techniques and correct breathing in the antenatal class.

acupuncture

Fear of childbirth can often be relieved with acupuncture. By placing fine needles on certain areas of the skin, the circulation of fear, tension and pain is to be interrupted - but of course only if you are not afraid of needles. Find out about the possible uses of acupuncture during childbirth while you are pregnant.

TENS

The TENS device (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) works with small electrical impulses that act on the back muscles. This is intended to suppress the pain signals from the uterus and pelvic area. Ask your doctor or midwife for more information.

Antispasmodic drugs

Antispasmodic drugs can also be given to relieve pain. However, they are insufficient for very severe pain.

PDA for pain relief

Fear of childbirth and the pain associated with it can lead to a vicious circle: Fear makes women tense and cramped, which usually makes labor pain worse - and then increases the fear of the next contraction even further.

This vicious circle does not have to be: the epidural anesthesia (PDA) is probably the most effective and most frequently used method of eliminating pain during childbirth. The anesthetist inserts a thin catheter into the vertebral canal of your lumbar spine under local anesthesia. An anesthetic will be injected through this catheter, which can be dosed in such a way that it reduces the pain, but it is still possible to stand and walk. The time at which a PDA can be set is also variable. Even if the birth is advanced, you can still opt for it.

Psychosomatic preparation against fear of childbirth

Much has changed since "perinatal medicine" was introduced as a term in obstetric medicine between 1965 and 1975. The security, which is in the foreground for mother and child, has since then been increasingly linked to the emotional experience of the birth process. This includes precise information for the parents-to-be about all processes related to pregnancy and childbirth. The psychological aspects of the birth experience have also come into focus.

For example, pregnant women can do autogenic training, gymnastics and swimming exercises and have psychological discussions to prepare for the birth and to reduce anxiety. Today, individual care is a matter of course in maternity clinics. The presence of someone you trust - usually the father of the child - also helps to ensure security and reduce anxiety. The use of painkillers has been shown to be lower when the woman is not on her own.

Psychological help with fear of childbirth

If you do not have a known anxiety disorder that naturally needs to be treated by a specialist, speak to your gynecologist or midwife. The fears and worries that you have before the birth process can perhaps be resolved through a conversation and information about the birth. If the fear of childbirth persists, it can be useful to talk to a psychologist.

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