How to overcome your fear of giving birth at the end of your pregnancy?
Written by: Loris Vitry (holistic coach)
Validated by: Cathy Maillot (Osteopath)
Caution: If you have any medical questions or concerns, please speak to your doctor. Even if the articles on this site are based on scientific studies, they do not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Being afraid at the end of pregnancy is normal when it is the first time that a woman wants to give birth.
So, are you pregnant and your due date is approaching?
Are you stressed and can’t sleep peacefully?
You panic and you wonder if you will be up to it on D-Day?
Discover some perfectly effective solutions to overcome your fear of giving birth.
Confide in healthcare professionals
Tocophobia or fear of childbirth does not manifest itself in the same way in all women.
In some, it is not serious and is temporary.
On the other hand, in others, it worries the whole family and makes the woman suffer.
Also, it should be added that for the majority of women, it is linked to the stories of miscarriages or disabled children registered in their family.
For others, however, it is linked to the idea of giving birth by caesarean section.
However, regardless of the causes or signs of this anxiety, it is essential that you confide in a healthcare professional.
It is the best solution to help you get out of your fears.
Following this logic, you can use the services of your midwife, for example.
The latter being a professional, she will find a way to get you out of this trouble.
She can give you advice that will make you feel comfortable and help you get positive ideas in your head.
In addition to the advice she can give you, she may also offer you certain exercises to get dark thoughts out of your mind.
In addition, to benefit from her support, be open with her.
Trust her and explain to her how you feel.
Do not forget any detail since each sign counts so that it can find a solution that relieves you.
If you do not contact her, your obstetrician, anesthesiologist or even the gynecologist are also able to help you overcome your fear to the end.
Ask them the questions you need to better prepare your body and mind for childbirth.
Do not be self-conscious and keep in mind that you are not the first patient of these health professionals.
They are people accustomed to following pregnant women and accompanying them in all phases of childbirth.
Be calm with yourself and see them as guides.
Be an optimistic woman
One of the best ways to overcome fear of childbirth is to always stay positive and be a strong woman.
Tell yourself that you have already gone through all the stages of pregnancy and that the worst will not happen with childbirth.
Think positively and imagine your baby in great shape in your arms.
If you are a person who believes in the Supreme Being, have faith in him, invoke him as you usually do, and be full of hope.
If you enjoy reading, read a lot, especially books that touch on optimism to keep you mentally well.
Find the activities that make you comfortable to put away that stress that keeps you from understanding how your life works.
Childbirth is a magical and special moment.
You should think positively and push away from yourself anything that constitutes barriers to your full development.
As it is often said, smile at life and life will smile back at you.
So transform all the unpleasant situations that come your way as you approach childbirth into pleasurable ones.
You must surely be wondering how is this possible?
All you need to do is make your whole being positive to get there.
This is effective in developing a mind of optimism and building up your self-confidence.
If you are passionate about music, listen to songs that are gentle and comforting regularly.
Also, following the series or films that approach childbirth in a positive way also seems interesting to have good morale.
Finally chat with your loved ones, especially those who give you joy to clear your mind.
Try anything that can encourage you and give you the strength to stay an optimistic woman until the day of delivery.
Meditate to overcome fear
Meditation exercises make you feel good and let go of fear.
They are handy for working your consciousness.
So you can practice, for example, yoga for pregnant women a few days before the due date to overcome your fear.
To achieve this, define the place where you plan to experience it and choose a period when you feel capable of doing it.
When you are able to do so, try to be alone and avoid disturbing noise from those around you.
Once properly installed, close your eyes and let your thoughts travel in total silence.
It is a traditional technique that you can practice for a few minutes to regain your self.
If you are not sure if you will pass it, it would be more convenient if you register for the courses intended for it.
This is the best option to better learn the techniques relating to this meditative practice.
If this possibility does not interest you, know that you can still follow videos online on YouTube.
Be especially inspired by those which deal with meditation, whatever its type.
It can be mantra or some other type of yoga.
The main thing is that you can find the right balance to let go of your fear.
Make a point of making videos that let you relax all the muscles in your heart.
You should learn to meditate by relaxing your body.
Practice massage sessions
If you don’t like meditation exercises, focus on special massage sessions for pregnant women.
They will allow you to find your inner calm.
A family member or your spouse can help you massage your feet, arms, legs and hands with oils suitable for pregnant women to make you comfortable.
If you want to see results in a short time, go to the spa for a massage worthy of the name.
Finally, in addition to getting a massage, adopt a healthy and balanced diet which is essential for your well-being.
Regular hydration is also essential if you feel good in your body, but also in your mind.
In short, follow these solutions to overcome your fear related to childbirth.
Do not forget to take the preparation classes specially initiated for pregnant women to calm your mind.
