Childbirth is a special event, arousing many emotions. We do everything to prepare ourselves as well as possible for it. Fear of the unknown accompanies every first-time mum. However, when the fear gets out of control, we are dealing with tocophobia.
Toxophobia and obstetric complications
Anxiety about childbirth can have a real impact on its course. Findings show that both the first and second phases of labour are prolonged by a third of the time. A higher incidence of the use of the vacuum extractor in labour, as well as emergency caesarean section, was also observed. The incidence of anxiety has a significant impact on the tendency of modes of termination of pregnancy. Currently, there is an increased frequency of caesarean sections 'on request'. However, each decision regarding surgical termination of pregnancy should be considered individually. Caesarean sections are not recommended for women before the age of 39 and for those planning to have multiple offspring. On the other hand, denying the parturient any influence over the course of the birth may result in a higher incidence of postpartum depression and PTSD.
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Diagnosis and treatment options for tokophobia
Diagnosis of the disorder should be carried out by a psychiatrist. However, treatment is most effective when carried out in cooperation with a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, obstetrician and midwife. Behavioural-cognitive psychotherapy is particularly recommended for tokophobia. It is characterised by a short duration, does not require in-depth analysis, and focuses on the specific problem and the attempt to solve it. It is therefore possible to carry out in its entirety even before the birth. Based on the results of the study, it was found that half of the women who received psychological support that took into account their individual needs, abandoned their choice of elective caesarean section.
Everyone is entitled to anxiety and it is a perfectly natural reaction to unfamiliar or particularly difficult situations. It is worth considering to what extent the level of anxiety is preventing you from achieving your goal and whether specialist help may be helpful. Acknowledging this weakness should not be something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be proud of, that we are able to take our own destiny into our own hands.
