What is Tocophobia?

RATHER than pregnancy being a joyful time, for women with tocophobia, childbirth “affects daily functioning and overshadows one’s pregnancy”.

It causes sufferers to experience fear, panic, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, trembling – and often request Caesarean sections as the solution.

In some cases women also request abortion or shun sex due to a fear of pregnancy.

Treatments for the phobia include cognitive behavioural therapy and gradual exposure to images of different aspects of giving birth.