8 Common Labour Fears for First Time Mums (and How to Overcome Them)
Becoming a mum for the first time is a thrilling yet nerve wracking journey, especially when it comes to labour and birth. If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, you’re not alone! Many first time mums share common fears about labour, and understanding them is the first step to building confidence.
In this blog, we’ll explore eight common fears about childbirth and provide practical tips to help you overcome them.
1. Fear of the Unknown
Labour is a new and unpredictable experience, which can leave first-time mums feeling anxious about what to expect.
How to work through it:
Educate yourself: Attend childbirth classes or read up on reputable sources to learn about the stages of labour.
Ask questions: Your healthcare provider or doula can guide you through what to expect.
Create a flexible birth plan: This helps you feel prepared while allowing for changes if needed.
2. Fear of Pain
The portrayal of birth in movies and stories often hyper focuses on the pain, making it seem unmanageable.
How to work through it:
Practice pain management techniques: Breathing exercises, movement, and water therapy can help.
Explore medical options: Understand how epidurals and other interventions work, their risks and benefits.
Try mindfulness or meditation: These practices help shift your focus and build confidence.
3. Fear of Tearing
Hearing about tearing and episiotomies can be overwhelming and scary.
How to work through it:
Practice your breathing: being able to practice relaxing your pelvic floor and how that connects with your breath can be super helpful here.
Learn about what can increase your risk of tearing: Positions and some interventions can increase the likelihood of tearing.
Trust your body’s ability to heal: Your postpartum journey is part of the process, and your vulva was designed to tear, and to heal!
4. Fear of Losing Control
Labour’s unpredictability can make mums worry about losing control over their body or emotions.
How to work through it:
Find acceptance in the unknown: You can’t control everything, but you can take charge of your decisions.
Rely on your support team: Partners, doulas, and midwives can keep you grounded.
Focus on progress: Each contraction brings you closer to meeting your baby.
5. Fear of Complications or the Baby’s Wellbeing
Worrying about your baby’s health is natural, especially for first-time mums.
How to work through it:
Choose a trusted provider: Open communication is key to feeling reassured.
Understand safety measures: Knowing hospital or homebirth protocols can provide peace of mind.
Control what you can: Stay active and eat well during pregnancy.
6. Fear of Judgment or "Failing" at Birth
There’s often pressure to have a “perfect” birth, whether that’s physiological, medicated, or caesarean.
How to work through it:
Redefine success: A successful birth is one where you and your baby are safe and healthy, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
Avoid comparison: Limit exposure to unrealistic birth stories on social media.
Celebrate your journey: Every birth experience is unique and special.
7. Fear of Labour Taking Too Long or Being Rushed
Stories of prolonged or rushed labours can intimidate first time mums.
How to work through it:
Stay active: Regular movement during pregnancy helps prepare your body for labour. Stay active throughout labour as well can work with your baby and body.
Learn techniques for progress: Positions like squatting or side-lying can encourage labour progression.
Trust your team: Make sure your support team know your preferences, and that they trust you, and your body’s ability to birth.
8. Fear of Not Knowing When It’s “Time”
Many mums worry they’ll mistake early labour signs or wait too long to go to the hospital.
How to work through it:
Learn the signs: Regular, intense contractions and water breaking are key indicators. Try not to rely of timers, every birth is different.
Keep your provider’s contact info handy: They can guide you if you’re unsure.
Trust your instincts: Your body knows what it’s doing—listen to it.
Final Thoughts
Labour fears are completely normal, especially for first time mums. By educating yourself, building a supportive birth team, and practising self compassion, you can transform fear into empowerment.
Remember: Every birth is unique, and no matter how it unfolds, you’re doing an incredible job bringing your baby into the world.
Looking for personalised support during your pregnancy and birth? Let’s connect! I’d love to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.