Fear of Birth and Tokophobia

Fear of Birth and Tokophobia

When Pregnancy or Labour Feels Overwhelming.

It’s normal to have some nerves about giving birth—but for some, this fear becomes intense and all-consuming. Tokophobia is the term used to describe a severe fear of childbirth. It can affect people who are currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or avoiding pregnancy altogether due to anxiety. Whether your fear stems from a previous traumatic experience or has always been there, you deserve understanding and support. You are not alone—and there is help available.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I work with many individuals facing fears about birth. Therapy provides a safe and compassionate space to explore the roots of these fears and reduce distress. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy) can help you process difficult thoughts, reduce distress, and feel more in control. If you are currently pregnant, psychological birth care planning sessions may be very helpful in thinking through any anticipated fears and triggers, helpful coping strategies, and how others such as your maternity team and your birth partner may be able to best support you. We work together to document this information into a psychologically informed birth plan. This document can then be shared with your partner and maternity team to help you to feel as supported as possible in the run up to, and during, your birth.

If the idea of pregnancy or birth fills you with dread, you are not alone—there is support available. Specialist psychological therapy for tokophobia can help you feel more calm, informed, and empowered to make the choices that are right for you.