Treatment of fear of childbirth in Turku University Hospital

Background Fear of childbirth (FOC) complicates every fifth pregnancy. FOC is one of the most common reasons for delivery by caesarean section (CS) in Finland. Mothers suffering from severe FOC are treated in special maternity clinics but there is no common guideline for treating FOC. In the University Hospital of Turku midwives have independently started to treat mothers suffering from FOC.

Methods This was a retrospective study of the treatment of FOC patients by midwives or obstetricians.

Results Caesarean section (CS) due to FOC was carried out in 18% of the patients. Amongst the women who requested CS 52% changed their wishes during the treatment. Patients treated by obstetricians more often requested CS and more often gave birth by CS. CS due FOC was also more common in these patients than in patients treated by midwives. Patients who participated in relaxation training more often gave birth vaginally.

Conclusions Treatment of FOC requires multiprofessional cooperation. Midwives have lot of experience in deliveries, so they have an important role in treating FOC. In co-operation with obstetricians midwives can successfully treat FOC.