Abstract

Fear of childbirth is described as a major problem for many women as this has a negative effect for both the women and the babies. Health care professionals need to be able to offer these women adequate support which could be important for primiparous women. The aim of this study was to describe what primiparous women experience as support in coping with their fear of childbirth. A qualitative, inductive approach was used. Data was collected at two hospitals in Southwestern Sweden. Five primiparous women with fear of childbirth were included after a purposive, snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Findings are described through the main theme support adapted to the needs of the individual woman and of three categories: (1) the importance of receiving reassurance; (2) increased knowledge and understanding and; (3) combining all kinds of support. The conclusion of this study is that women’s fear could rapidly shift focus and individualized support sensitive to these shifts was important to increase primiparous women’s coping capacity. Support should include; reassurance, improved knowledge and understanding.  

Key words: Women's experiences, primiparous, fear of childbirth, social support, professional support, women’s health, life change events.