[Tocophobia--its origin, prevalence and implications].

Tocophobia is defined as fear from pregnancy in general and fear of vaginal delivery in particular. This is a relatively prevalent phenomenon, which originates due to traumatic events in the past: whether as a result of previous bad obstetric experience or from other non-obstetric related events. Unstable mental disorder may also be expressed as tocophobia. As there is no common agreement regarding the definition of tocophobia, conservative methods of treatment have not proven effective. Male tocophobia is also recognized and can be negatively influential on female males and spouses. The ultimate solution to tocophobia is an elective cesarean section following maternal request, with no obvious medical indication. This creates ethical problems to the attending physicians.