A network of strength: How social support and functionality appreciation mitigate fear of childbirth

Abstract

Fear of childbirth is a growing global concern, yet psychological resources that mitigate it remain understudied. This cross-sectional study investigated whether appreciating one’s body for its functionality—an aspect of positive body image—alongside perceived social support, is associated with childbirth fear. In Poland, 120 pregnant women in their third trimester completed measures of childbirth fear, perceived social support, and functionality appreciation, and provided obstetric and health information. Results indicated that, beyond established factors such as parity and perceived health, both greater social support and higher functionality appreciation were significantly related to lower fear of childbirth. This suggests that valuing what the body can do, supported by a strong social network, may represent an important psychological resource in pregnancy. Antenatal care could therefore consider integrating interventions aimed at fostering functionality appreciation and strengthening social support to help alleviate childbirth-related fear.