I've Been Deeply Terrified Of Getting Pregnant My Entire Life. I Finally Know Why. "The idea appalled me at 6 and it still appalls me at 30. I’m quite certain it will appall me right through menopause." Predrag Popovski via Getty Images "Tokophobia is the fear of pregnancy and childbirth so extreme that it interferes with daily life and actively prevents someone from getting pregnant." Many women see pregnancy announcements and tenderly reminisce about their own experiences or feel envious of the mother-to-be. Many women see an expecting mother and think of a dream fulfilled. Many women see a pregnant belly and are drawn to it, often wanting to touch it.