by Koren Wetmore

In the middle of my second trimester, the joy of pregnancy was quickly overshadowed by the fear of childbirth. Caused in part by anxiety over the unknown, it was amplified by other's horror stories of marathon labor, unbearable pain and babies lost through unexpected complications.

Although I felt alone in my dread of Birth Day, I soon learned that others shared the same concerns. A Finland study of 329 pregnant women found that 78 percent had fears related to pregnancy, childbirth or both. Fears included painful or prolonged labor, problems during or after birth, harm to their unborn infant, inability to participate in decisions about birth and having to undergo Cesarean section. These women cried, lost sleep and were unable to fully enjoy their pregnancies.

Even worse, their fear could actually create physical and psychological barriers that complicate or prolong labor. "There's a fear-tension-pain connection. If you're fearful, your body releases stress hormones, your muscles tighten and it's like pushing against a brick wall as opposed to soft butter," says certified professional midwife Kathryn Cranford of Northern Sun Family Health Care in Topsham, Maine.

While Lamaze class may help you prepare physically for birth, it's not enough to calm your fear. For that you need to build your confidence in yourself and your ability to participate in the childbirth process...

Full text available for reprint.