The most important fears associated with pregnancy and childbirth were those that had to do
with the baby's health. The women had been concerned about the baby being handicapped or
sick, or dying during pregnancy. There were also some horror images of possible handicaps or
illnesses. Some of the women had been afraid that their own behaviour might damage the baby's health. Some had been concerned that the baby might have the umbilical cord around the neck, causing complications. Two women had been concerned about damage being caused to the baby during delivery. One of the participants said that the baby's heart rate had been very high during delivery and she had, therefore, been concerned that the baby might have been damaged before birth.