Discrepancy in parental fear of childbirth: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Fear of childbirth is a prevalent clinical psychological issue for both mother and father; however, there is a lack of research comparing and summarizing discrepancies in parental fear of childbirth.

Aim: This study aimed to explore differences in parental fear of childbirth, identify gaps in related research area, and provide directions for future studies.

Methods: Original references were searched from six databases by using subject terms associated with fear of childbirth. The guideline of the scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O' Malley were applied.

Results: The review covered 203 publications in all. Of them, 181 were maternal studies and 22 were paternal studies. 105 articles examined prevalence and influencing factors ranging from 0.7 % to 89.3 % in mothers and 5 % to 54.3 % in fathers. The current study included 84 influencing factors, 9 of which were common to parents and 75 of which were different, containing fathers' specific influences on fear of childbirth are perceived pregnancy difficulties, perceived birth difficulties, feelings about the upcoming birth, more frequent thoughts of birth in the middle of pregnancy and not attending parent education classes. 12 articles dealt with the experience of fear of childbirth, and the parents' fear of childbirth had 5 common themes, including fear of the birthing process, fear related to the baby, fear of lack of support, fear of postnatal health and life, and adverse psychological problems. But they have different sub-themes. 61 articles on fear of childbirth interventions, including 8 mother-specific approaches and 4 identical approaches for parents, and all of these methods were effective in reducing the prevalence of parental fear of childbirth.

Conclusion: Factors such as marital status, personality, etc., that are specific to mothers can also be applied to paternal fear of childbirth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and group discussion, which are unique to maternal fear of childbirth, may be attempted for paternal fear of childbirth. In addition, future research should be devoted to developing a specific measurement tool for fathers, studying paternal fear of childbirth in depth from various aspects.

Keywords: Difference; Fear of childbirth; Maternal fear; Parental fear; Paternal fear.