Birth Anxiety: How To Overcome Fear

Whether it’s your first baby or number two or three, it can be difficult to overcome one’s birth anxiety. It is an emotional struggle that can occur when it is about time to give birth.

The primary reason for this is that childbirth has always been something that has been labeled as being a difficult, painful and risky experience for both the baby and the mother.

However, this claim is far from reality. Childbirth is a completely controlled process and there is no particular risk to mothers who have had a regulated pregnancy.

To overcome your fears, we tell you how to combat your doubts by answering the most frequently asked questions. We also show you some practical relaxation exercises that can help eliminate all kinds of anxiety.

How to overcome your birth anxiety

It is imperative to have the right information about the birth process so that one can overcome his birth anxiety. Incorrect information can be confusing and stressful.

It is extremely important that you ask your doctor or midwife all the questions that arise around childbirth when you are at one of your many medical examinations.

You need to know that the birth process is guaranteed by specialists and experts in hospitals around the world. They are equipped with the necessary technology to help mothers and babies.

To help you dispel your doubts, which are the primary cause of birth anxiety, we need to take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions among expectant mothers.

Frequently asked questions to reduce birth anxiety

Epidural

An epidural block is actually extremely beneficial during childbirth as it relieves pain for 20 minutes. Likewise, the mother’s anxiety levels can drop significantly during an epidural block. Therefore, you need to consider this during childbirth.

This type of anesthesia is the most widely used of all medical procedures. For this reason, efficiency and technique are more than guaranteed, so it’s something you can be completely confident in. 

Episiotomy

An episiotomy is an incision made in the perineum area from the back of the vulva to the anus to avoid tears in the mother’s genitals. The baby will also have an easier time getting out.

Yes, we know it does not sound very comfortable, but you will not be able to feel anything when this procedure is performed, as the epidural block is already working. If you have not received an epidural block, local anesthesia may be used.

Breathing

As you have already learned during your birth preparation, your breathing is important so that you can stay relaxed and so that you can push better.

But if you are filled with fear and anxiety, if you do not remember the exercises properly, or if you have never gone to birth preparation, then don’t worry. There will always be a nurse or midwife to guide you through the entire process in the delivery room. 

Exercises to overcome your anxiety

These relaxation techniques are very simple. You will also discover that you can still continue to make use of them after the birth.

Yoga for pregnant women

You can go to yoga classes for pregnant women. Here you will learn traditional relaxation and meditation techniques, while gently toning the muscles involved during childbirth.

Take dinner naps and distract yourself when you need to

Take a nap when your body asks you to, when you feel stressed. When you get enough sleep, it is easier for the body to restore its balance.

Also, look for ways to distract yourself when you are feeling nervous. Enjoy a good movie, read your favorite book and drink a cup of tea at the same time.

Massage to overcome birth anxiety

A particularly relaxing massage for pregnant women can also help you regain calm. If you do not have the opportunity to go to the spa or visit a massage therapist, you can ask your partner or another family member to massage your feet, legs, arms and hands as well as parts of the shoulders gently with essential oils.

In conclusion, we recommend that you always attend courses on birth preparation. Not only do you learn everything about childbirth, but you can also spend time with other mothers, and their experiences will help reassure you.