Reading just one magazine article promoting childbirth without medical intervention makes women want a more natural birth. This is the finding of research we recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Women and Health. Our research suggests the media could play a role in reducing rates of unnecessary medical intervention in childbirth.
Such intervention is associated with preventable maternal and infant ill health, and it places an extra burden on the health care system.
Epidural, for instance, is associated with increased risk of the mother having very low blood pressure and fever, as well as the use of forceps and vacuum extraction. And cesarean section in low-risk births is associated with increased risk of babies needing intensive care.
