SCARED OF GIVING BIRTH? YOU’RE NOT ALONE — BUT STAYING POSITIVE HELPS

If you’re feeling nervous about giving birth, you’re far from alone, but a new study has found that staying upbeat and confident could make all the difference.

Up to 60% of women report fear about childbirth, particularly when it’s their first baby. Now, researchers from Scotland’s Robert Gordon University and the University of South Australia have taken a fresh approach, looking not just at what causes fear, but what helps ease it.

The global-first study surveyed 88 women in their third trimester before attending antenatal classes in north-east Scotland, aiming to find out why some women felt more relaxed heading into labour.

Using a tool called the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the researchers explored links between fear of childbirth (FOC), mental wellbeing, and a woman’s belief in her ability to handle the intensity of labour. They found that mental health and a sense of self-confidence were major players.

While 12% of the group showed signs of severe childbirth fear, women who reported strong emotional wellbeing, confidence, and solid social connections tended to feel far less anxious.

“While many studies have explored the negative effects of childbirth fear, including prolonged labour, emergency caesareans and postpartum mental health issues, there has been little research into what protects women from experiencing those fears,” says lead author Dr Katrina Forbes-McKay.

“Our findings highlight the need for antenatal care that doesn’t just teach women what to do during labour but also empowers them to believe they can do it.”

Co-author and UniSA Professor Tracy Humphrey adds that a woman’s sense of general wellbeing, such as purpose, positivity, and relationships, was the strongest predictor of her fear levels.

“This includes having a sense of purpose, emotional positivity, and meaningful social relationships – all things that are often overlooked in maternity care,” she says.

“The second key predictor was childbirth self-efficacy – particularly whether women believed they could apply coping strategies when the time came.”

The study, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynaecology, makes a strong case for rethinking antenatal education. It recommends moving beyond just medical facts and birth plans, towards building confidence and emotional resilience.

Specifically, it suggests childbirth education should:

• Foster confidence in labour techniques such as breathing, visualisation, and relaxation

• Boost psychological wellbeing through social connection and emotional fulfilment

• Embrace a wellness model rather than one focused on risks

Dr Mo Tabib, a midwifery lecturer at Robert Gordon University and the study’s lead researcher, says women who practised antenatal relaxation techniques reported “significant improvements” in their mental wellbeing and confidence — results that stuck around well into the postpartum period.

“The findings align with global priorities from the World Health Organisation to promote the mental and physical health of women during pregnancy,” Dr Tabib says.

“By addressing fear of childbirth through psychological and educational interventions, we not only support women to have more positive birth experiences but potentially reduce medical interventions and improve outcomes for mothers and infants.”