Childbirth-related fears and concerns among pregnant women with a history of infertility: A qualitative descriptive study

Women with a history of infertility may be particularly vulnerable to fear of childbirth in the context of previous reproductive challenges and infertility-related experiences. Although previous studies have reported elevated levels of fear of childbirth in this population, little is known about how childbirth-related fears and concerns are experienced during pregnancy, particularly in the context of previous infertility experiences. To describe childbirth-related fears and concerns among pregnant women with a history of infertility and how they perceived their previous infertility experiences in relation to these concerns. This descriptive qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 30 pregnant women with a history of infertility who were interviewed during the first, second, or third trimester of pregnancy. Data were collected between April and May 2026 and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Thirty women participated in the study. Concerns regarding fetal safety and adverse birth outcomes were prominent in participants’ accounts of anticipated childbirth, whereas labour pain was not consistently described as the central concern. Previous infertility experiences and the perceived value of a “hard-won” pregnancy formed part of the broader reproductive context in which participants anticipated childbirth. Maternal–fetal attachment featured alongside both reassurance and concerns about fetal safety and potential loss. Social relationships were described in relation to both emotional support and distress when participants anticipated childbirth. Participants also described information seeking, emotional regulation, interpersonal and professional support, and positive perspectives on motherhood and childbirth as ways of coping with childbirth-related fears and concerns. Among participants with a history of infertility, childbirth-related fears and concerns were prominently focused on fetal safety and adverse birth outcomes. Participants described these concerns within the broader context of previous infertility experiences and the significance attached to a highly valued pregnancy. The findings highlight the importance of recognising women’s previous reproductive experiences when addressing childbirth-related concerns and of providing individualised information and opportunities for emotional and professional support during antenatal care.