ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tokophobia

Tokophobia is a very big word that means being really scared of giving birth to a baby. When a mommy and daddy love each other very much, they make a baby. When the baby is done growing inside the mommy's tummy, it's time for it to come out. But some mommies and daddies, especially mommies, get very scared and nervous about this part. They might worry that it will hurt too much or that something might go wrong.

Tokophobia can make some mommies not want to have a baby at all, even if they really want to be a mommy. It's okay to be scared and nervous sometimes, but if someone has tokophobia, they might need some extra help and support to feel better. Doctors and nurses can help them understand what will happen during birth and how they can prepare for it. They might also suggest some ways to help them feel more calm and relaxed.