The impact of fear of childbirth on mode of delivery, postpartum mental health and breastfeeding: A prospective cohort study in Shanghai, China

The prevalence and impact of fear of childbirth (FOC) has not been sufficiently understood. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of FOC among Chinese population and its impact on mode of delivery, postpartum mental health and breastfeeding. We conducted a prospective cohort study, wherein pregnant women in their third trimester who underwent antenatal assessments at Shanghai Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital between September 2020 and March 2021 were recruited. Sociodemographic data of the participants were gathered by self-administered questionnaire, and their FOC was assessed using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire. Participants were followed up to 42 days postpartum. Information regarding their modes of delivery was retrieved from medical records, and data regarding postpartum mental health symptoms and one-month postpartum breastfeeding were obtained through self-administered questionnaires. Among 1287 participants, 461 (35.8 %) had high-level FOC (W-DEQ ≥ 66). Logistic regressions showed that women with high-level of FOC had higher rates of caesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) (aOR = 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.00–2.41, p = 0.049), a higher incidence of postpartum mental health symptoms (aOR = 1.68, 95 % CI: 1.09–2.59, p = 0.018), lower rates of one-month postpartum exclusive breastfeeding (aOR = 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.16–0.69, p = 0.003) and mixed feeding (aOR = 0.44, 95 % CI: 0.21–0.91, p = 0.028). The long-term implications of FOC beyond the immediate postpartum period were not explored in the study. High-level FOC during the third trimester was associated with increased CDMR and postpartum mental health symptoms and reduced breastfeeding establishment. These results underscore the significance of FOC screening and tailored interventions for affected women. •High-level fear of childbirth was associated with higher rates of cesarean delivery and postpartum mental health symptoms.•High-level fear of childbirth led to lower rates of breastfeeding.•This was among the first studies to explore the influence of fear of childbirth on breastfeeding.•This study addressed the inconsistencies in current research on fear of childbirth, by adding evidence of Chinese population.•This study suggests the integration of appropriate interventions on fear of childbirth into current perinatal care system.