This book informs and enlighten health professionals on how the recognition of fearing women can change their episode of care during childbearing.  It gives practical advice on the way women present to services and the challenges that this invokes.  This work is the first of its kind aimed at clinicians to deconstruct ideology around childbearing myths and its challenges.  The authors review the evidence that exists and how modern maternity systems are responding to fear and shaping healthcare.

Whilst some worry and anxiety is expected and indeed considered normal during childbearing, it has been suggested that this has now proliferated to a degree of abnormal for many women.  Why is that and how is this panic spread?  Media portrayal of birth is suggested as unrealistic material and to show only that which is dramatic and horrific.  This has been considered as one factor influencing modern women.