What are the symptoms of tokophobia and is it a mental illness?

TOKOPHOBIA is a condition experienced by hundreds of women worldwide. But what is it and how can you treat it? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is tokophobia?

Tokophobia is a severe fear of childbirth.

Being worried about pregnancy and childbirth is perfectly normal – every pregnant woman has some degree of concern about what might happen.

But for a minority, this worry is a lot more to manage.

According to , the worldwide rate of tokophobia in pregnant women is over 1 in 10. 

Early research in this area in fathers suggests a tokophobia rate of over 1 in 10 men too.

The states that tokophobia can be classified as either primary or secondary.

Primary tokophobia refers to women who have had no previous experience of birth but who nevertheless have a strong fear of childbirth.

In these cases, the feelings of dread associated with childbirth may link to experiences as far back as childhood.

For those with primary tokophobia, the dread of childbirth may start as early as adolescence.

Secondary tokophobia is considered to be a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is the most common form of tokophobia and occurs in women who have had a previous traumatic experience of childbirth.

Many feel strongly that they want a C-section over a vaginal birth because of safety fears.

What are the symptoms of tokophobia?

There are a number of symptoms related to tokophobia.

The physical and psychological symptoms of tokophobia vary, but often include:

• recurring nightmares
• hyperventilating
• sweating and shaking
• panic and anxiety attacks
• crying (triggered by sight or even words)
• nausea and vomiting
• avoiding sexual intercourse
• feeling disconnected from your partner or children
• thoughts of death or dying

What causes tokophobia?

Researchers have suggested a number of explanations to account for the development of tokophobia.

The physical and psychological causes of tokophobia will vary from each person.

Some causes include:

• loss of privacy, dignity, and control
• a history of sexual abuse
• fear of harm
• low-esteem
• the presence of mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety
• prenatal depression
• trauma from past childbirth
• hearing or experiencing other people’s traumatic birth stories
• had gynaecological problems

How do you treat tokophobia?

Women who have tokophobia are often prescribed anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication.

Research shows that fears can be reduced with specific psychological and emotional support during pregnancy.

Cognitive behaviour therapy, hypnotherapy, and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) are also recommended therapies.

Undergoing CBT helps you identify the aspects of childbirth that are fuelling the phobia.

You can also learn healthy coping methods by working with a mental health professional.

Other treatments can include, Birth Trauma Resolution Therapy and stress reduction activities such as yoga or meditation.

Many women are also helped through pregnancy and birth by a doula.

If you are concerned about tokophobia you can contact your consultant midwife, perinatal mental health midwife, or your named community midwife.

All are on hand to offer you support.