Pregnancy is a major event for women and although it is both normal and often desired, it is not uncommon to experience a degree of anxiety about the physical and emotional consequences of pregnancy and childbirth.  This anxiety can get so severe it causes nightmares, panic attacks and phobic reactions.  If this seems like you, you are not alone.

Living with anxiety about pregnancy and birth can start in early childhood or may become noticeable over time.  It can also develop following a traumatic pregnancy, birthing experience or post natal depression.

Women who are living with anxiety describe disgust or dread of the pregnancy (including a fear of needles; vomiting; scared of becoming a parent; a fear of death in childbirth). These women can be so terrified of pregnancy or birth that in extreme cases they request sterilisation to avoid becoming pregnant altogether, this is particularly sad in the cases of women who desperately want children.

What is Tokophobia?

When the anxiety becomes uncontrollable there may be a phobic reaction which in this most severe form is called Tokophobia.  This condition is not new.  It was medically described in the 1880, as ‘disorders of anxiety during pregnancy’ and took a further 200 years to find a word to describe an often unspoken fear that has been experienced by women throughout the ages.

Am I the only one?

One in five women - when pregnant for the first time - reported extreme fear about childbirth
Six per cent described the fear as 'disabling'
Almost one in seven of the 370 childless, non-pregnant women interviewed had a dread of childbirth which was serious enough to make them postpone or avoid pregnancy altogether.

What help is available?

I am a Psychotherapist and one of few people to have conducted research into Tokophobia, I have helped women overcome their fears and be in a position to choose whether or not to get pregnant.

By providing a calm, confidential and accepting environment I've helped women overcome their difficulties and find their inner strengths, and I can help you achieve these things too, all you need to do is ask, call 0161 710 2468 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we can start our journey, together.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if no one experienced Tokophobia?

Living in a world where women are able to make a choice about creating a family or not, rather than fear making that choice for you? 

There is very little known about Tokophobia and there have been few studies undertaken worldwide.  I am continuing to research this subject further and would like to hear from as many women as possible.  When you complete the survey your valuable experience will help women - who feel just like you – to be calm and maybe even look forward to becoming a mother.