The relationship between fear of birth and feelings of security

Abstract

Fear of childbirth is experienced in the pre-pregnancy period, during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, and the source of fear may vary in each period. It is stated that the experience and fear of childbirth during the birth process also have effects in the postnatal period and it is thought that it may affect feelings of security. This research was conducted in a descriptive and relationship-seeking manner to determine the relationship between fear of birth and feelings of postpartum security. Survey Form, Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale Version B and Mothers’ Postpartum Sense of Security Scale were used to collect data. It was determined that there was a negative and significant relationship between birth expectation/experience and mothers’ feelings of postpartum security (β = − 0.423. p < .001). It has been established that fear of birth is related to mothers’ feelings of birth security, and as the fear of birth increases, the feeling of postpartum security decreases. As a result of the research, it was reported that mothers with high education levels, medium and high income levels, planned pregnancies, receiving prenatal care, and support from their relatives felt safer.