Work

“It’s not just the pain” understanding fear of childbirth through the lens of body and mind

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between haptotherapeutic well-being and fear of childbirth and examined the influence of sociodemographic factors on these variables. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 567 pregnant women receiving antenatal care in eastern Türkiye, recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) and the Haptotherapeutic Well-Being Scale (HWBS). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of fear of childbirth. Younger, well-educated, childless women with planned pregnancies reported lower levels of childbirth fear and higher levels of haptotherapeutic well-being. Psychological well-being and haptic perception were significant negative predictors of fear of childbirth, while fear related to medical interventions and harm to the baby were positive predictors. Haptotherapeutic well-being is associated with reduced fear of childbirth. These findings underscore the potential value of integrating body–mind–oriented supportive approaches into antenatal care to address childbirth-related fear.

Source: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-09575-3

Authors: Betül Uncu, Elif Doğan, Şehriban Adıyaman

Institutions: Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul University, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290