Being afraid of giving birth is completely natural—especially if it will be your first time.
New and unknown experiences can make you afraid, but there are ways to ease your nerves. Or, if you gave birth already before and it wasn’t the best experience, there are ways to navigate those emotions, too.
Keep reading for tips on what you can do when you feel afraid of giving birth.
1. Realize Birth Is a Common Experience
Every person on earth has a birthday, which means countless women have given birth before.
However, that doesn’t mean every birth experience has been the same. Some women have had more positive experiences, and others have had challenges. It can differ for the same women between pregnancies.
Talk with women who have given birth before. What was their experience like? Do they have any tips to share or things they would have done differently?
Sharing your concerns and asking for advice can help you feel more comfortable. You may feel encouraged after your conversation.
2. Identify Your Fears
Why are you afraid of giving birth? Identifying your specific fears will help you know how to work through them. When you don’t narrow down your worries, you may have a general feeling of nervousness or anxiety that you can’t pinpoint.
or instance, if you fear the pain you could experience, you can ask your doctor about pain management options that could work for you. If the fear is something else, you can take specific steps to help ease that fear.
3. Prepare
There are many classes and books available to prepare you for labor and delivery.
Between exercises for breathing and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, there’s a lot you can learn and do to get ready for the big day.
Reading and familiarizing yourself with what you can expect can also help ease fears of the unknown. You will realize why your body is doing what it is doing, from your water breaking to the beginning of contractions.
4. Trust Your Body and Medical Team
You are not on your own during birth! A medical team will heavily monitor you and make sure you and your child stay safe throughout labor and delivery.
Remember, birth is a natural thing. Your body knows what to do. Trying to stay at ease and relaxed is one of the best things you can do to make the experience easier.
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Are you currently evaluating your pregnancy options?
Schedule a free appointment at Life Choices to receive information on each one and receive early pregnancy services, such as pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.
You can text us at 970-514-5650 to speak with a nurse advocate who is ready to help you and answer your questions.
We do not perform or refer for abortions.