Author(s):
Blessy. A, A. Priscillal Devakirubai
Email(s):
blessyasirvatham1998@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2454-2660.2025.00058 
Address:
Blessy. A1, A. Priscillal Devakirubai2
11st Year M.Sc. Nursing Student, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, College of Nursing, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
2Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, College of Nursing, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 13,
Issue - 4,
Year - 2025
ABSTRACT:
Background: Tokophobia, or fear of delivery, is a common psychiatric disorder that affects pregnant women all over the world. It can have a significant impact on the birthing process, increasing the need for medical interventions, prolonging labor, and creating mental health issues after giving birth. By grouping them into categories including psychological, social, cultural, obstetric, and informational, this review seeks to identify and investigate the various elements that contribute to delivery anxiety. Methodology: The review summarizes the results of an extensive literature search on the variables influencing tokophobia. Studies were selected based on criteria related to their investigations of fear of childbirth’s psychological, cultural and medical aspects. Relevant meta-analyses, systematic reviews and individual studies were included to capture a broad perspective on tokophobia. Results: Previous traumatic experiences, pre-existing mental health disorders, societal and cultural effects, obstetric circumstances, lack of support, and insufficient information are the main causes of tokophobia. Among these, psychological and informational factors were most frequently highlighted as the crucial influences on fear of childbirth. Conclusion: Addressing tokophobia requires understanding of its multifaceted nature and an interdisciplinary approach. Effective interventions should prioritize mental health support, culturally sensitive care and improved prenatal education to enhance the childbirth experience and reduce negative outcomes associated with fear of childbirth.
Cite this article:
Blessy. A, A. Priscillal Devakirubai. From Mind to Maternity: The Reason for Silent Struggle Behind Fear of Chilbirth. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2025;13(4):294-2. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2025.00058
Cite(Electronic):
Blessy. A, A. Priscillal Devakirubai. From Mind to Maternity: The Reason for Silent Struggle Behind Fear of Chilbirth. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2025;13(4):294-2. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2025.00058 Available on: https://ijneronline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-13-4-16
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