IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON CHILDBIRTH

Technology and Society

Conception

Fertility DrugsArtificial InseminationTest-tube babyCloning

Pregnancy

Monitoring Blood Tests Urine Tests Ultrasound DNA Tests

Fetal Surgery

Scheduled Delivery

Inducing labor early Based on Ultrasound determined weight “Late Birth” based on Due Date estimate

Planned C-section. For convenience of mother, doctor (when not

medically necessary)

Managed Labor/ Cascade of Intervention

Hospital Setting Monitors, IVs Loss of privacy/control of environment Psychological effects, stress

Timing/Duration Inducing drugs, breaking the membranes Length of labor/artificial deadlines

Birth Process Pain killing drugs – Epidural ( US rate 90%+) Position, lack of ability to move freely Episiotomy Forceps, Suction C-section – ( US rate >25%)

Side Effects?

Postoperative Complications Infections of baby or mother Continued pain

Effects on Nursing the baby Effects of epidural, C-section, drugs Social customs that play a role

Nursing only for poor, negative body image Working moms: Pumping/Freezing 60% try, 20% after 2-4 months, Less than 5% at a year.

Postpartum DepressionInfant/Mother Mortality

Questioning the Model

Is childbirth a disease/illness that needs medical intervention?

How much intervention is needed? Is technology serving us or interfering with a natural process?

Cesareans Gone Wild?

The Rise in Cesarean Rates

Caesareans around the World

Lowest: Netherlands holding steady between 13 – 14% from 2001 to 2010

Low: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Israel all holding steady around 16% from 2001 to 2010

High: Australia, Germany, Korea, Switzerland, USA all above 30% by 2010

Highest:Mexico and Turkey above 40% by 2010http://www.cesareanrates.com/blog/2012/12/8/world-cesarean-rates-oecd-countries.html

More $$$ = Better Outcomes???

“The United States spends $98 billion annually on hospitalization for pregnancy and childbirth, but the US maternal mortality rate has doubled in the past 25 years. The U.S. ranks 50th in the world for maternal mortality, meaning 49 countries were better at keeping new mothers alive.” Huffington Post

Alternatives/Adjuncts

Hospital/Birthing Center/HomePrivacy/Calm EnvironmentMother-centered practicesMidwife/Doula/DoctorGuided Breathing/RelaxationAlternate Positions/Birthing ChairHypnobirthingWater birth