Lockiophobia: The Fear of Childbirth

Lockiophobia is the extreme and irrational fear of childbirth. Childbirth is scary, plain and simple.  The thought of a child coming out of you gives you every reason in the world to become apprehensive about the whole situation.  I don’t know a woman yet who goes into childbirth with any fear or anxiety.  It’s natural and it’s expected.  When does this natural fear become a phobia?

Traumatic childbirth such as prolonged labor or having to do an emergency c-section because of complications can easily trigger Lockiophobia.  These women may have severe postpartum depression and either refuse to have another child or they may give up the one they have.

A phobia is a strong, persistent fear of situations, objects, activities or persons.  The main symptom is an excessive and unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. Other phobia symptoms include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and an overall feeling of dread.  Phobias are the most common form of anxiety disorders.

If you suffer from Lockiophobia please share your story.  How was it triggered and how does it affect your life?