Tocophobia

An abnormal and persistent fear of childbirth.

A phobia is an unreasonable fear that can cause avoidance and panic.

Phobias are a relatively common type of anxiety disorder.

Phobias can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy using exposure and fear reduction techniques.

In many cases, anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication proves helpful, especially during the early stages of therapy.</P> Tocophobia is derived from the Greek 'tocos' (childbirth) + 'phobos' (fear).

A related term is teratophobia, fear of bearing a malformed child.