It’s completely understandable to feel anxious or afraid about giving birth, especially if it’s your first time. Movies often make birth look like a painful, scary process, and you might have even heard horror stories from your friends or family members.
The unknowns surrounding labor and delivery can cause fear and stress, but the good news is that there are ways to manage your concerns and feel more confident about the process.
Here’s what you can do if you’re feeling afraid of giving birth:
1. Educate Yourself About the Birth Process
One of the most effective ways to reduce fear is to learn what to expect during labor and delivery.
The Pregnancy Care Center offers free prenatal and parenting education. We can help prepare you for what to expect throughout pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Taking a prenatal class can help you understand the stages of labor, pain management options, and what happens during delivery. Many hospitals offer childbirth education classes that provide detailed information and hands-on practice, giving you a clearer picture of what’s ahead.
2. Discuss Your Fears with Your Healthcare Provider
Your doctor or midwife is there to guide you through pregnancy and birth, so don’t hesitate to talk to them about your fears. Whether it’s the pain, the unknowns, or specific medical concerns, they can address your worries, offer advice, and help you create a birth plan that aligns with your preferences.
They can also provide reassurance about the safety measures in place to support you and your baby during delivery.
3. Consider Hiring a Doula
A doula is a trained birth companion who provides emotional and physical support during labor. Many women find that having a doula present helps them feel more empowered and less fearful about giving birth. Doulas offer encouragement, suggest pain-relief techniques, and act as advocates during the birthing process, helping you feel more in control during labor and delivery. The Pregnancy Care Center can connect you with a doula and help ensure that you have the support you need.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, massage, music and art therapy, and more can help calm your mind and body in preparation for labor. Practicing these techniques regularly before birth can help reduce anxiety and give you tools to manage discomfort and stress during labor.
5. Build a Supportive Birth Team
Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you during labor. This could include your partner, family members, friends, or a doula. Knowing that you have a strong, supportive birth team can ease some of the fear and make the experience feel less overwhelming.
We’re Here for You
Thinking about the big day can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Pregnancy Care Center, we’re here for you. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to share your concerns and ask questions or free parenting support beyond pregnancy, we’re here for you. If you choose to participate in our Parent Support education program you will not only receive valuable education and support, you will also earn points to shop for items in our baby boutique.
Contact us today to learn how we’re here to help.
*We offer accurate information about all your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice