Fear of baby malformation (teratophobia)

Teratophobia is a fear of giving birth to a baby with a malformation, and it is most often felt during pregnancy or when planning a family. It might show up as constant worry before scans, searching online for every possible problem, or putting off having children. Any specific concerns about a pregnancy are best discussed with your GP or midwife.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek teras, meaning monster or marvel, the same root found in teratology, the study of birth malformations. Older lists define it as a fear of giving birth to a monster, and the word is also used more loosely for a fear of monsters. Today it is usually seen as one part of pregnancy anxiety rather than a separate condition.

What it feels like

• Intense worry in the run up to scans and test results
• Repeatedly searching for information about conditions and risks
• Difficulty enjoying the pregnancy or picturing the baby

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is it normal to worry that something is wrong with my baby?

Many expectant parents have this worry at some point, and midwives hear it often. If the fear is constant, stops you sleeping or is linked to something that happened to you, please talk to your GP, midwife or a specialist counsellor, who can offer support during pregnancy.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices