Hypnobirthing aims to reduce fear and pain during childbirth. But while the evidence suggests it’s associated with decreased use of some pain medications, it doesn’t affect epidural rates.
Most women in the US give birth lying flat on their back, anesthetized. An obstetrician investigates why this is and whether this is always the best approach.
Alan Barreca, University of California, Los Angeles
More places around the world are experiencing days with record high temperatures. These prolonged hot spells may have unanticipated impacts on pregnant women, triggering early deliveries.
A recent study of the newborn microbiome revealed that babies delivered via C-section were missing friendly bacteria and had picked up harmful microbes usually found in hospital environments.
Although research can provide us with useful evidence to help inform our decisions, underfunded research areas still mean that women are being left in the dark.
Compared to women who give birth in a birth centre, those who give birth in hospitals are much more likely to have interventions – from epidurals, to labour augmentation and caesarean deliveries.
Childbirth used to be a terrifying ordeal. But women were surrounded by others – mothers, aunts, sisters – who brought love and experience. But midway through the 19th century, this changed.
A new study has found a link between being born by caesarean section and having a greater chance of being diagnosed with autism or ADHD. But there’s no evidence caesarean sections cause them.
Research in Ghana, India and Kenya shows that more women experience subtle forms of undignified care than they do physical and verbal abuse during childbirth.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wish to keep the arrival of their baby private – and it’s caused some consternation. But this was normal for most medieval women.
Supporting women to have a labour companion or doula of their choice during childbirth has benefits for women and their babies. It could be especially important for women from migrant backgrounds.
New study finds that giving birth through an emergency caesarean increases the risk of developing postnatal depression in the first nine months after childbirth by about 15%.
Research Fellow University of Notre Dame Australia; Adjunct Fellow (National Institute of Complementary Medicine), Western Sydney University, University of Notre Dame Australia