Predictors of fear of childbirth in nulliparous women: Childhood traumas and attachment patterns

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of fear of childbirth (FoC) in nulliparous women by focusing on the effects of childhood trauma and attachment styles. Identifying psychological factors contributing to FoC is important for improving early intervention strategies and maternal well-being. The study included 496 nulliparous women who had never experienced pregnancy or childbirth. Participants completed the Women’s Childbirth Fear–Prior to Pregnancy Scale (WCF-PPS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF), and the Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between FoC, childhood trauma, and attachment styles. Fear of childbirth showed a significant positive correlation with anxious attachment ( r = .257, p < .001). Weak but statistically significant associations were also found with emotional abuse ( r = .094, p = .039) and total childhood trauma ( r = .090, p = .049). However, in the regression analysis, only anxious attachment significantly predicted FoC (β = .172, p < .001), while childhood trauma and avoidant attachment did not emerge as significant predictors. Anxious attachment was identified as the most prominent psychological predictor of FoC in nulliparous women. These results suggest that addressing attachment-related anxiety and early traumatic experiences in pre-pregnancy or prenatal psychological evaluations may reduce fear of childbirth and support maternal mental health.