Is it Necessary to Evaluate Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women? A Scoping Review
Cibele Santini de Oliveira Imakawa, Mariane Nunes de Nadai, Monica Iassana dos Reis, Silvana Maria Quintana, Elaine Christine Dantas Moisés
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review concepts, definitions, and findings about fear of childbirth (FOC). METHODS: A bibliographic review was carried out through the main scientific databases in 2020. RESULTS: All 32 articles considered potentially relevant were analyzed. A recent study suggests that the global prevalence of FOC can reach up to 14%. Factors such as parity, gestational age, previous birth experience, age and nationality of the woman seem to influence FOC. CONCLUSION: Fear of childbirth could be related to an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes such as maternal request for cesarean delivery, preterm birth, prolonged labor, postpartum depression, and post-traumatic stress. These evidence highlight the importance of the discussion regarding this topic.