The “Nightmare” of Childbirth: The Prevalence and Predominant Predictor Variables for Tokophobia in American Women of Childbearing Age

Tokophobia (fear of childbirth) may interfere with a woman’s occupational or academic functioning, domestic and social activities, and even relationships. This study introduced the concept of tokophobia into the American landscape, established a baseline prevalence of tokophobia among 174 American women between the ages of 17 and 45 who had not experienced childbirth, and identified tokophobic predictor variables and demographic variables for tokophobia. The study design was non-experimental, quantitative, survey design, using two self-report instruments: The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, version A and a researcher-designed demographics questionnaire. Results showed 34% of participants suffered severe tokophobia, 91% of predictor variables measured were statistically significant indicators for severe tokophobia, and demographic variables measured were not statistically significant predictors for tokophobia.