Fear of childbirth (FOC): pregnant women's perceptions towards the impending hospital birth and coping resources - a reconstructive study

• Published in: Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology 2020-07, Vol.41 (3), p.231-239
• Main Authors: Striebich, Sabine, Ayerle, Gertrud M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: documentary method; Fear of childbirth; hospital birth; maternity care; preferences of pregnant women
• ISSN: 0167-482X; 1743-8942
• DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2019.1657822

Background: To provide obstetric care which meets the needs of pregnant women with fear of childbirth (FOC), a deeper understanding is required of the beliefs of these women regarding their impending birth and the coping resources they possess to cope with their fear. Methods: Problem-centred interviews were carried out with 12 pregnant women who self-reported high FOC. Data analysis was performed using Bohnsack's Documentary Method to reconstruct collective frames of orientation and implicit and explicit orientations in daily practice and interaction. Results: The interviewees see birth as a field of tension between the poles of naturalness and medicalization. Their need for information displays a need to be in control and fear of losing control. Medical and technological monitoring and one-to-one care promote security. Pregnant women with FOC want to know how they can contribute to a physiological birth. Conclusions: Structural, organizational and conceptual changes in obstetric care are needed to cater to the needs of pregnant women with FOC. Alongside the need for evidence-based information about non-medical and medical pain-relief as well as decision-making aids, the provision of a continuity model of midwifery care is important.