The Fear of Childbirth: A Study in the North of Portugal

Abstract

Childbirth is a universal phenomenon and a meaningful experience that has the potential to trigger developmental transitions, stress, anxiety and/or fear, which, at times, can negatively impact future childbirth experiences. An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted aiming to identify the levels of fear experienced by pregnant women associated with childbirth and their main causes. A convenience sample was selected. Data collection were carried out in an outpatient obstetric hospital in the northern region of Portugal, between July 2010 and July 2012. To evaluate the intensity of fear of childbirth a visual analogic scale of 10 points was applied. Interviews were conducted in order to identify the main causes of fear. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Regarding the level of fear, the majority (98%) of pregnant women had fear of childbirth, 60.2% reported moderate fear and 28% intense fear. Anxiety, primiparity and lack of knowledge related to birthing were also found to increase the fear of childbirth. Some of the main causes of fear identified were: complications during childbirth; pain/suffering; not knowing how to cope with pain; not able to give birth; baby with malformation/disease and/or suffering. Most women feel moderate or intense fear of childbirth and this is associated to well identified causes with high impact on the woman and family. To minimize the effects of fear, an early intervention has to be considered, including childbirth education classes where nurses can address and work women's fear in order to minimize it and promote a more positive experience.

Fear of childbirth among pregnant women in Eastern Ethiopia: A community-based study

“…Given the majority of women in other settings are receiving proper care during their antenatal care compared to our settings, prenatal counseling might improve women's FOC. Moreover, our finding is lower than findings from Iran (89.3%) ( Soltani et al, 2017 ), Portugal (28%) ( Prata et al, 2016 ), and Egypt (55.33%) ( Nasr et al, 2020 ). This might be related to geographical and socio-cultural differences as well as partner or social support.…”

Efficient Liver Targeting by Polyvalent Display of a Compact Ligand for the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor

“…As has been previously observed, 29 multimerization of ASGPR ligands (usually GalNAc) is a potent strategy for enhancement of binding to hepatocytes in vitro [5][6][7][8]49,50 and for delivery to the liver. [32][33][34][51][52][53] Because multiantennary displays of galactosyl ligands are effective agents in binding a number of different cell types, 54,55 it was important to verify 56,57 that, indeed, a prototypical trimer derivative (Alexa b -C5-(BC) 3 ) of the novel bicyclic ligand 6 mediates predominant delivery to hepatocytes versus nonparenchymal cells (Kupffer, stellate) in vivo. In addition, the hepatic distribution of this representative compound appeared to be perivenous, with the greatest accumulation around the central vein of hepatic lobules.…”

Relationship of Maternal Spiritual Health with Nutritional Behavior and Physiologic Parameters of Neonates in Cesarean Mothers during Spinal Anesthesia

“…According to available research, pregnancy and childbearing are two major events in women's developmental transition. These key events exert profound effects on maternal mental balance; however, they can trigger stress, anxiety, and fear in pregnant women (6). The results of a study conducted by Tajvidi et al showed that spirituality, religiosity, spiritual tendencies, and spirituality of pregnant women's relatives, were among the factors influencing fetal health, delivery success, and breastfeeding.…”

“…Based on a study conducted by Biran et al, spiritual practices, such as prayer, can relieve the pain, nausea, and vomiting of the mother after childbirth and increase her tranquility ( 8). It is believed that the enhancement of maternal tranquility leads to the elevation of oxytocin and prolactin and reduction of cortisol level, thereby resulting in increased milk production and secretion, as well as easier sucking (6). According to a study carried out by Binns et al, breastfeeding will be easier in the first hours after birth, if the newborn has a good nutritional behavior, including sucking strength.…”