Log in

View Full Version : Tokophobia, is it enough to request an elective c-section


Stjem05
Aug 16, 2012, 05:06 PM
Hi, I suffer from severe tokophobia (fear of giving childbirth) and I have had it confirmed by a psychologist. I want a child badly, but I just can not do it vaginally. Is this enough of a reason to make a c-section medically necessary? Does the fact that my psychologist can diagnose me help? For some reason, I am not afraid of having a baby via c-section.I really feel terrible because I can't seem to find anything online telling me my options if I suffer from this phobia. I just wanted to know if I have the option of a primary c-section at request (never had a child before), or if I have to remain childless. Thanks for your help!

Wondergirl
Aug 16, 2012, 05:16 PM
Why the phobia? Seems like it would be a good idea to get rid of that first before getting pregnant.

J_9
Aug 16, 2012, 05:23 PM
I agree with WG that this should be counseled prior to getting pregnant as a C-Section is major abdominal surgery and carrys some serious risks to both mother and baby.

Wondergirl
Aug 16, 2012, 05:26 PM
Plus, if not dealt with, this phobia can carry over into other parts of a pregnancy, cause obsessive thinking, create compulsive behaviors, and cause new phobias to pop up.