Childbirth experience in Malta : a sociological analysis

Abstract

This qualitative study focuses on the experience of pregnancy and childbirth in Malta. The way women experience childbirth today is very different to previous generations. The natural processes of pregnancy and childbirth have become medicalised. They are generally described as risky conditions and thus control over the process of pregnancy and childbirth has become an important task of medicine. The social conceptualisation of pregnancy and childbirth as an illness led to the development of technology and to an increase in the number of medical interventions in the field of obstetrics. While some argue that this might provide women with a greater sense of control others suggest that such kind of interventions place the mother in the role of the patient and reduce her sense of control over her own body. In-depth interviews were used to explore key themes of choice, control and risk. Findings indicate that the childbirth experience is highly influenced by a number of factors including feelings of control over the situation, decision making and choice, support received and the ability to manage pain. Women from different social backgrounds experience childbirth in a different way. Those with a higher educational background tend to be more active in gathering knowledge about their pregnancy and childbirth experience.