Prevalence and associated factors of fear of childbirth among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia

Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common concern among pregnant women and can significantly impact maternal and fetal well-being. This study estimates the prevalence of childbirth fear, its determinants and correlation with depression and anxiety, and related factors among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of 617 pregnant women in Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire collected over one month. The questionnaire included the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) for FOC and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for anxiety and depression. Results: The prevalence of high FOC was 7%. Significant associations were found between FOC and many variables, including low income (p=0.001), unstable marital relationships (p=0.001), first-trimester gestational age (p=0.04), lack of follow-up with pregnancy (p=0.001), and following up in both private and government hospitals (p=0.02). There was a weak positive correlation between FOC and anxiety, as well as depressive symptoms. Conclusion: While FOC is a notable concern, it is not pervasive among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. Targeted psychosocial interventions for vulnerable and at-risk groups, together with improved continuity of antenatal care, are recommended, and future studies should aim to represent all regions of the country.