Assessment of Fear of Childbirth (Foc) and Quality of Life in Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic – A Cross Sectional Study

Fear of Childbirth (FOC) is common in both pregnant and postpartum women in developed countries. This was a cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 participants attending the antenatal clinic for routine checkups. Women were assessed using socio-demographic proforma, FOC questionnaire, PGI Health QuestionnaireN-1 (PGIHQN-1), WHO-Quality of life (QoL)-BREF. 28% of the study population (n=100) had FOC. FOC was more in 3rd trimester of pregnancy and in patients with bad obstetric history. The association between these parameters was highly statistically significant (p<0.001). Impairment of physical and psychological domains of QoL was highly statistically significant (p<0.001) in patients who had FOC. FOC is an important factor affecting the physical and psychological QoL during pregnancy. It must be evaluated and addressed in every pregnancy. Very few studies are done to explore the FOC and its relationship with the different sociodemographic factors in Indian set up. Limited literature is available focusing the correlation between FOC and Quality of Life among pregnant women is available.