Finally ! The baby is almost here! While expectant mothers are always excited to meet their little one, it's not uncommon for them to be very scared of giving birth as well. Find out how to allay these fears, to give life as serenely as possible.
After nine months of pregnancy, all mothers look forward to meeting their baby. Particularly in the last few months, when the stomach has grown bigger and exhausted. But the joy of welcoming this little one can quickly be clouded by the fear of giving life. Some women fear the pain associated with childbirth and the length of labor … to the point of panicking completely as childbirth approaches.
This is not without good reason. Fear of childbirth should never be belittled or minimized. Even a quick, natural and uncomplicated childbirth can be associated with great pain. Some of this pain may be relieved by your epidural, but some women refuse it. And even before the epidural is used, a pregnant woman may experience severe pain during contractions.
To make the fear of giving birth go away, it is important to discuss it, for example with the midwife. A birth preparation course should also be taken for the first baby. The course of childbirth is discussed in detail. Relaxation and breathing techniques are also taught to make things easier.
The fear of the second childbirth
Some mothers are more relaxed when their second child arrives because they know what to expect. But the reverse can also happen. She may indeed have more fears for this second birth. This panic often stems from complications and bad experiences during the first childbirth. Here too, the future mother must be taken seriously.
Talking with the doctor and midwife about the first experience can help better prepare for childbirth. If the mother understands what happened at that time, she is more likely to see that this second birth is quite different. She feels more secure.
As a pregnant woman, we tend to perceive the process of childbirth more dramatically than it really is. This is why it is essential to talk about it with relatives, as well as with specialists. Thus, you will be able to have the answers to your questions and therefore be more peaceful for the day.
The anxiety of a cesarean birth
Most women want to give birth physiologically and are afraid of giving birth by Caesarean section. Because it is unnatural and something can go wrong during the operation. This fear is however unfounded: a cesarean is no more risky than a natural birth.
For women who fear a natural childbirth, this may even be the best solution, as fear can strain you and slow down the birth process.
If your case requires a planned Caesarean, speak with specialists upstream to find out exactly how it will unfold and be aware of the complications and their likelihood. Don't hesitate to ask all of your questions. This helps reduce stress during birth.
Fight the fear of childbirth
Childbirth can be painful and push every woman to her limits. The fear of childbirth is therefore nothing bad and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Before you can be helped, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor or midwife.
Think about the environment in which you want to give birth to your child. It doesn't have to be a regular hospital bed. Giving birth in water or in a birth center are also possibilities. So that you know what is going to happen, you need to plan the birth in advance. It gives you a sense of security and self-confidence. Something to help you overcome the fear of birth.
If you wish, you can also use aromatherapy or acupuncture in the weeks leading up to the birth to allay your fears.
During the birth itself, you should use the breathing techniques you learned in the birth preparation course. By moving your pelvis, walking or standing, birth can be speeded up.