Examining the content and moderators of women's fears for giving birth: A meta‐synthesis

Aims and objectives This meta‐synthesis aimed to identify key elements contributing to FOC derived from women's own reports. Background Fear of childbirth (FOC) encompasses fear or anxiety about giving birth, which can resemble a phobic response. FOC holds implications for women's antenatal and postnatal well‐being, and decisions made about the birth but a clear definition of the construct does not exist. Method A meta‐synthesis was conducted by searching databases (Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, EBSCO, MEDLINE, PsychInfo and PsychArticles) for qualitative studies describing women's perspectives with respect to fear, anxiety, concerns, phobia or stress about birth. A total of 25 papers, reporting findings from 24 studies, fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. Results Six key elements of FOC were identified; fears of the unknown, potential for injury, pain, capacity to give birth, losing control and adequacy of support from care providers. A single overarching theme linking all elements was “the unpredictability of childbirth.” Three moderators of FOC were also identified; awareness of negative birthing experiences, information received about birth and support received from care providers. Conclusions Findings highlight the role of uncertainty in the birthing process as an overarching theme underpinning women's fears. Enhancing tolerance of uncertainty may be a way to reduce women's FOC. Relevance to clinical practice Identification of the elements and moderators of FOC provide an insight into the potential mechanisms that contribute to women's fears, which can be used to inform methods of identifying women with FOC or a basis upon which to base supportive strategies to reduce women's fears for giving birth.