Factors associated with fear of childbirth in pregnant women in a University Hospital in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To identify the main fears related to childbirth in pregnant women in a University Hospital in Southern Brazil, from 2021 to 2023, according to the motivations for fear. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant individuals between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation who answered two self-administered questionnaires: the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (Version A) and a researcher-designed instrument on specific childbirth fears. Based on scores, participants were classified into four levels of fear (low to very high). Descriptive statistics were applied, and differences in the distribution of specific childbirth-related fears across levels of fear were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The sample included 334 participants. Moderate fear was most prevalent (44.9%), with tokophobia occurring in 4.8%. High fear levels were significantly associated with fear of panicking, losing control, not knowing labor duration, and intense pain (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the unpredictability of childbirth and the perception of lack of control over the situation are key factors in intensifying childbirth fear, emphasizing that incorporating psychological support and a structured health education program into prenatal care may help reduce fear and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.