Giving birth and child's health are women's greatest fears before starting a family

Before starting a family, new mums’ greatest fears are the health of the child (35%) and giving birth (35%), followed by financial stability (22%), according to a recent Ipsos Marketing/Bounty poll. These fears trumped other concerns, such as the impact of starting a family on their relationship (3%) or their career (1%). Mums-to-be aged 35 or older were more concerned about the health of their child than the average (41% compared to 35%). However, they were less worried about financial stability (16%), perhaps because they were further along in their careers. Women who already had one or more children were more concerned about giving birth than the average (40% compared to 35%). Managing Director of Ipsos Marketing, Rob Myers, said:

“It is not surprising that, despite the difficult economic times, fears surrounding giving birth and the health of the child are most prevalent. However, it is surprising that women who already had children were more concerned about giving birth – perhaps ignorance is bliss! But, interestingly, women who had given birth before were more likely to consider a homebirth and are less likely to use painkillers during labour. “When it comes to giving birth, proximity to their birthing centre was the most important part of their birthing experience for mums. This was even more important to the panel members than the quality of the neonatal ward. This suggests that mums-to-be are concerned about the possibility of not making it to their birthing centre in time, and having to give birth on the way, potentially without professional help.”

• Download the survey topline (PDF)

Technical Note The Ipsos Marketing/Bounty poll for the Daily Telegraph was conducted amongst 894 new mums between 17-20th December 2012. The Bounty “Word of Mum” panel, is the largest custom research panel of its kind in the UK and is comprised of over 30,000 expectant and new mums.