Tokophobia: You’re Not Alone If You’re Afraid of Childbirth

Childbirth is a life-changing experience. Most new moms and dads will tell you that parenthood impacts everything from your relationships to your sleep schedule. So if the idea of having a baby brings up some anxiety, you’re not alone. It’s normal to worry about all the unknowns of pregnancy and how giving birth will affect your mind and body. 

But sometimes, fears of pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming. Tokophobia is a mental health condition that involves a significant fear of childbirth. Left untreated, it can negatively affect birth outcomes. It can also cause someone to avoid pregnancy and childbirth when they otherwise would have preferred becoming a parent.

How is tokophobia defined?

Tokophobia is a fear of pregnancy, and there are two types:

1. Primary tokophobia affects women who have never given birth before. 

2. Secondary tokophobia affects women who have had a traumatic experience with pregnancy or childbirth. 

In both instances, extreme worries about pregnancy affect the person’s well-being. These fears often revolve around:

• The childbirth experience itself

• The baby’s and mother's health

• Access to healthcare providers and quality of prenatal care

• How having a child will impact family life

Common signs and symptoms of tokophobia

Tokophobia affects different people in different ways. But researchers have identified some common signs and symptoms of this condition, including:

• Having an intense fear of giving birth, which often persists despite a deep desire to become a parent

• Employing several different contraceptive methods at once to prevent pregnancy

• Avoiding discussing anything related to the idea of becoming pregnant

• Having pregnancy-related conflict with partners and/or co-parents

• Avoiding healthcare appointments or failing to complete blood work related to pregnancy

• Requesting a cesarean section when it isn’t otherwise medically necessary

• Having nightmares or flashbacks of a previous traumatic birthing experience

What causes and triggers tokophobia?

Tokophobia has not been studied extensively in the U.S. However, some research indicates that tokophobia might be caused by:

• Witnessing or hearing about someone else’s birth trauma or pregnancy challenges

• Having your own experience of a traumatic birth or pregnancy

• Being the victim of sexual abuse

• Living with existing mental health challenges such as depression

• Not having adequate social or familial support

• Not having access to accurate information about pregnancy and childbirth

It’s also important to note the sociocultural factors related to tokophobia. A 2023 study found that the COVID-19 pandemic increased pregnancy fears, especially for:

• Black women (who, due to obstetric racism, are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women)

• People who have less access to education

• People who have a lower income

• People experiencing a high-risk pregnancy

• People with prenatal depression

The authors of the study suggest that tokophobia might be fueling inequity in birth outcomes for these groups. They encourage providers to begin screening for tokophobia as part of prenatal care.

How can you manage the fear of getting pregnant?

One of the most challenging aspects of tokophobia is that it often affects people who truly want to have a child. On one hand, you might have a deep desire to grow your family and become a parent. But, on the other hand, you may have intense worries about pregnancy and labor. 

While the term might be new to you, tokophobia is more common than you may think. So if you’re fearful of becoming pregnant, here are some things that may help.

Reach out to your loved ones

Talk to friends or loved ones you trust about how you’re feeling. And if someone close to you has already given birth, ask them about their experience. Maybe they also had some pregnancy fears.

Talk with your healthcare providers

If you’re already working with an obstetrician or midwife, talk to them about your concerns. They can help you create a birth plan and choose the best delivery option for your mental health.

Practice mindfulness

Research shows that a mindfulness practice can help reduce pregnancy fears. So make some time to learn some deep-breathing exercises, try a meditation app, or take a yoga class in your community.

Try self-hypnosis

Self-hypnosis can reduce stress during childbirth. But some research also suggests that it can help reduce the fear of childbirth. Talk to your provider or contact your local birthing center to find a class in your area.

When should I talk to my healthcare provider about my fear of getting pregnant?

If your fear of getting pregnant is impacting your life, talk to your healthcare provider. They can provide a referral for a therapist who can help you learn how to manage your worries. 

You can also explore online directories or check with your insurance company to find a therapist who who specializes in treating anxiety and phobias. As you review your options, look for someone who treats women's issues, trauma, and/or anxiety.

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Written by:

Liz Talago, MEd

Liz Talago, MEd, is a mental health content writer and strategist whose work is infused with clinical expertise, behavioral science, and empathic storytelling. After spending years on the front lines of mental health care, Liz now partners with mission-driven organizations across the globe to create digital tools and experiences that enhance well-being.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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