A significant number of expectant mothers—up to 60%—experience some degree of fear about childbirth. However, new research indicates that a strong sense of mental well-being and positivity may help ease these fears.
In a collaborative study conducted by Robert Gordon University in Scotland and the University of South Australia (UniSA), 88 women in their third trimester were surveyed before attending prenatal classes in northeast Scotland.
Published recently in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, the study revealed that women with higher levels of positivity, confidence, and meaningful social connections reported notably less fear related to childbirth.
While 12% of the participants indicated experiencing “severe” childbirth fear, those scoring higher on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale tended to feel calmer and more assured about the birthing process.
“A woman’s mental well-being emerged as the strongest predictor of her fear levels regarding childbirth,” said Tracy Humphrey, co-author and executive dean of clinical and health sciences at UniSA. “Key aspects such as a sense of purpose, emotional positivity, and supportive social relationships—elements often overlooked in maternity care—play a critical role.”
The second most influential factor was childbirth self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to manage the challenges of labor. “Specifically, women’s confidence in applying coping strategies during labor made a significant difference,” Humphrey added.
Lead author Katrina Forbes-McKay, a senior psychology lecturer at Robert Gordon University, emphasized the implications for prenatal care.
“Much research has focused on the negative outcomes of childbirth fear—like prolonged labor, emergency cesareans, and postpartum mental health problems—but little has explored what protects women from these fears,” she said. “Our findings underscore the need for prenatal programs that empower women, not just instruct them.”
The researchers recommend that childbirth education should:
- Cultivate confidence in labor techniques such as breathing and visualization
- Encourage social support and connection
- Prioritize overall wellness alongside risk awareness
This study also complements existing research on prenatal relaxation methods. Mo Tabib, midwifery lecturer at Robert Gordon University and lead doctoral researcher on the project, noted that women who practiced relaxation techniques experienced “significant improvements” in mental well-being and confidence as their due dates approached. Remarkably, these benefits persisted for up to eight weeks postpartum.
“By addressing childbirth fear through psychological and educational interventions, we can enhance women’s birth experiences, reduce unnecessary medical interventions, and improve health outcomes for both mothers and babies,” Tabib stated.
The research team calls for larger, more diverse studies to validate these promising findings and to further guide improvements in maternity care worldwide.
READ MORE
