Are you afraid to give birth?

Expecting a baby is one of the most miraculous and beautiful things in the world. Welcoming a new little life is one of the greatest blessings. Being entrusted to carry, deliver, and disciple a person made in God’s image is a tremendous gift.

AND, giving birth can be scary.

First-time-moms especially can feel apprehensive. Uncertainty abounds. What if I go past my due date? What if I have to be induced? What if something goes wrong? What if I need interventions? What if I can’t handle the pain? What is it all going to look like? Am I ready to be a mother?

Questions plague them, and anxiety grows. They want a peaceful birth, but as it approaches, they feel anything but peaceful.

Mama, if you are feeling anxious about your upcoming birth and postpartum season, I want to share with you 10 Verses for a Fearless Birth.

This isn’t about pulling up your bootstraps and being strong. It isn’t about self-help, self-love, or self-confidence. It’s about Jesus.

Because of Jesus, you can be fearless.

The week before my daughter was born was the most anxious season of pregnancy I’ve experienced. My toddler was sick. I had been told his sickness could be fatal in newborns. I was terrified that my daughter might get sick after she was born. I believe my body was holding on and not letting me go into labor, because I feared she wouldn’t be safe.

That week was terrible. And yet, I came to the point of trust. I surrendered my daughter and my son to Jesus, and I stopped being plagued by fear.

Mama, you too can get to this point.

Let me explain.

10 Verses for a Fearless Birth

1. 2 Tim. 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Being pregnant can invite a lot of fear. Sometimes that comes from within. Sometimes that’s brought on by others.

If we know Jesus, God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear. He’s given us Himself, and He is a God of power, love, and self-control. Because He is those things and He lives in us, we can resist fear and bear good fruit too. We can make decisions with confidence. We can act in love towards our spouse, doctor, and children. We can control our thoughts and emotions and bring them in line with the truth.

2. Job 42:2 I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

God is in control. Whatever you’re worried about right now, remember that He can do anything, and He is not worried. Whatever He wants to happen will happen.

3. Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

This verse reminds us that we can trust the Lord and go to Him with our troubles. He is our safe place.

Bring your cares to Him. Tell him exactly what’s on your heart. He wants to hear from you.

4. 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Give God your worries. Tell him what you’re feeling, and then move on. Don’t pick up your cares again. Rather, leave them with the One who cares for you.

5. Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

God guides you. He is your Rescuer. You have the Lord in you and for you, so you don’t have to fear man.

6. Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

God made you, Mama. He made you well. You were designed to carry and sustain and bring forth life. He also made your baby well. Trust the process. Trust what your body can do. It really is amazing!

7. Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

God is our Help – the One who comes to our rescue. When difficulties come, know that you have the Lord of the universe on your side. He can move heaven and earth to come to your aid (Ps. 18).

8. Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

Imagine going through life holding God’s hand. Every obstacle you face…you face together. Every situation that arises…you’re in it with Him. Your good Father has got you. He is by your side.

9. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

If you are faced with difficult decisions, you can ask God for wisdom. He PROMISES to give it to you when you ask. When you seek Him, He will lead you.

10. Is. 40:11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

God is gentle towards you, Mama. His heart is tender, and like a good, caring Shepherd, He does and will continue to gently lead you. You don’t have to worry, because He goes before.

If you feel anxious, Mama, call out to Jesus. Spend some time with Him. He is with you as you wait for labor, as you meet your precious baby for the first time, and every moment in between.

FAQ about a Fearless Birth

1. What are some other practical ways to deal with fear about childbirth?

Preparation is key!

Practice breathing through contractions.

Listen to positive birth stories.

Have a birth plan.

Surround yourself with people who have a positive, natural view of childbirth. Remember that it’s not a medical emergency (at least most of the time). Giving birth is the most natural thing in the world.

2. Do I need a birth plan?

A birth plan can be a good idea because it forces you to think through what you want your birth to look like. It helps you and your husband consider options, play out some what-if scenarios, and talk to your doctor ahead of time about what you would like to happen. I have also heard of people bringing their birth plan with them to the hospital for nurses and other staff to reference.

3. I have had hard births in the past. How do I not expect the worst?

I imagine this would be really hard. Talk to your husband about it. Get solid medical counsel. Pray. Come up with a plan of action, and cast your anxiety on Jesus. He is with you, Mama. He will not fail you.