Cultural and social context of (over)use of obstetric technologies

Abstract

The paper is concerned with the difference between social and medical model of childbirth, with the aim to answer the question whether the problem of overuse of medical interventions during childbirth may be addressed within this framework. In addition, the question regarding the impact of "risk culture" in maternity care (attitudes of both parturients and obstetricians) and the meaning of the term "normal childbirth" is discussed.

Keywords

• childbirth
• risk culture
• caesarean section
• attitudes