What Can I Do if I’m Afraid of Giving Birth?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about the unknown, and giving birth could be one of those unknowns if you have never gone through it before. 

Know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many women feel nervous about giving birth, especially with how dramatic it appears in TV shows and movies.

 Keep reading for six tips on what you can do to alleviate some of your fears. You can also contact Crossroads Care Clinic if you’d like to talk more about it in person and receive confidential pregnancy support at no cost.

1. Remind Yourself of the Goal

The goal of giving birth is to begin your parenting or adoption story. Reminding yourself that your body is doing what it is supposed to do during labor to bring a child into the world can help motivate you and refocus.

2. Surround Yourself with a Trusted Care Team

Whether you’re considering a hospital or a birth center, surround yourself with supportive professionals you can trust to put your and your baby’s health and safety first. Some women find midwives and doulas helpful for extra support during labor and birth.

3. Attend Your Regular Prenatal Care Visits

Prenatal care visits ensure you and your baby are monitored up to delivery day. By attending them regularly, you can reduce your chances of complications and improve birth outcomes. Also, if there are any concerns, medical providers can proactively address them.

4. Learn About the Labor and Birth Process

Learning about the stages of labor and birth will help you mentally prepare and understand what’s happening when you experience contractions and other symptoms. Realizing that each contraction is bringing you closer to delivery can encourage you throughout the experience.

5. Research Pain Management Techniques

We live in a modern era of pain management during labor. While some women opt for completely natural births, others may consider getting an epidural or another pain management method. The choice is up to you, but knowing your plan ahead of time can help you feel more prepared.

If you want a natural birth, you may also want to research breathing techniques, birth positions, counter pressure, and other helpful tools during contractions.

6. Talk with Other Women Who Have Given Birth

Talk with your friends and family members who have given birth before and listen to their experiences. You will soon find that everyone’s birth experience is unique. While some have very positive experiences, others may have wished it went a little differently. Either way, listening to various stories can prepare you for a number of situations.

You Are Stronger Than You Think

Giving birth can sound scary, but women have been doing it since the beginning of time. This fact doesn’t make it easier, but it does help give you a healthy perspective that it’s achievable.

If you are ready to parent or would like to place your child for adoption, birth is one of the final steps to getting there. We’re here to encourage you along the way. 

Schedule a free and confidential appointment to talk in a caring environment about how we can help you during your pregnancy and beyond.