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tokophobia
Pronunciation: TOH-koh-FOH-bee-ah
An intense, irrational fear of pregnancy and childbirth that can significantly impact a woman's reproductive choices.
Full Definition
Tokophobia is a pathological fear of pregnancy and childbirth that goes beyond normal anxiety about delivery. Primary tokophobia affects women who have never been pregnant, while secondary tokophobia develops after a traumatic birth experience. This condition can lead to avoidance of pregnancy, requests for unnecessary cesarean sections, or severe anxiety during pregnancy that requires psychological intervention. Recognition and appropriate counseling are essential for affected women.
Usage
Usage note: From Greek 'tokos' (childbirth) and 'phobos' (fear).
In Context
- "The patient's tokophobia led to her request for elective cesarean delivery." — Psychological consultation
- "Counseling was recommended to address severe tokophobia before conception." — Pre-conception counseling notes
Also known as
childbirth phobia
Don't confuse with
birth anxiety
perinatal depression