ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evidence base around pregnancy-related anxiety and fear of birth. Fear acquisition and maintenance in women who have given birth before and how this affects the pregnancy and birth continuum is explained including how healthcare professionals can better communicate and support women in their next pregnancy after a previous traumatic birth experience. The chapter explains the psychological phenomenon of pain catastrophising and intolerance of uncertainty both of which can play a role in how women approach the unpredictability of labour and birth. The chapter debates how fear of birth in a subsequent pregnancy will often lead to women requesting a maternal choice caesarean section and provides healthcare professionals with practical solutions on how to deal sensitively with requests and how maternity services can support women.
