Medicalization is taking something that is part of normal life experience and turning it into a medical problem, especially one that requires treatment. This happens quite often, especially in the Western world, but there is no clearer example than that of the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth. This is not to say that there is no benefit to seeking medical care during pregnancy and childbirth, but rather that something that is part of everyday life, and has been for the entire duration of human existence, is not seen as something that requires medical attention. This can be clearly seen from the reaction that we can imagine if someone said that they are about to give birth and have not even once seen an obstetrician, which once would have been insignificant (due to lack of formal medical care), would now be seen as shocking and probably negligent. This paradigm shift comes with additional costs and potential stressors, but it can also bring many benefits. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay To understand this change we must look at “normal” childbirth, both in the past and in the present. Starting in colonial America, childbirth was not the domain of the doctor. Instead, “midwives handled the majority of births.” In fact, these midwives were expected to attend births, both for the rich and the poor. No doctors were involved, yet we see a low mortality rate and low infection rates. (M&T 155) By the 17th and 18th centuries, medical intervention in pregnancy began to become much more routine. In 1710, in England, gynecology and obstetrics began to be recognized as medical specialties and births were attended, initially at home, but then over time in hospitals, at least for wealthy people. (M&T 155) Before the early 20th century, high maternal mortality rates led to childbirth being viewed as dangerous, leading to a decline in the use of midwives and home births. In 1935, 75 percent of births in the United States occurred in hospitals, with the rate rising to 95 percent in 1960. (M&T 155) Today we are seeing a slight increase in non-medical births, but in 2011, only about 10 Percent of births were attended by midwives, while only 1% occurred outside of a hospital in the United States and Canada in 2009. (M&T 155) As we have seen, modern birth occurs almost exclusively in a medical facility, under the supervision of a doctor. medical professional (typically a doctor). While more basic traditions still occur, such as encouraging a pregnant woman to move and walk to speed up the early stages of labor, as the process progresses, women are confined to a bed, with equipment attached to monitor the fetus and an IV in place. (M&T 156.7) If labor lasts too long, drugs may be used to speed up the process. For the same reason the amniotic sac can also be perforated. Additionally, pain medications can be administered, either intravenously or epidurally, to relieve pain felt during childbirth. (M&T 157) If labor continues to prolong, more advanced medical interventions, including surgical delivery, by cesarean, may be necessary. (M&T 157) If problems arise during childbirth, a doctor may employ several methods to ease the process, such as using a suction cup or forceps to ease the passage of the head and shoulders through the birth canal. Another routine treatment is an episiotomy, an incision in theperineum to prevent tearing. After childbirth, the umbilical cord is cut, the placenta is expelled and weighed. The baby is then cleaned, weighed, measured, and his or her vital signs are checked. Complications can be addressed through prolonged hospitalization of the mother or child. (M&T 157) The cesarean section itself is an excellent example of the medicalization of childbirth. A cesarean section, or cesarean section, is the surgical removal of the baby through a 4- to 6-inch incision in the mother's abdomen to access the uterus and the fetus residing there. (M&T 157) Something that would have been unheard of in the days of midwives is now so common that in 2012, 32% of births ended in a cesarean section in the United States (M&T 158). While some of these may be necessary, due to complications with the position of the fetus or other problems that may arise, it has been suggested that rates above 25% indicate “defensive medicine” which may be designed more to protect the doctor and the facility rather than the patient(s). (M&% 158) As we've seen, the old system of midwives didn't seem to cause harm, so why has the basic act of childbirth become such a serious medical condition? The answer can be explained with a simple question: “What if something goes wrong?” (M&T 158) The thought is certainly terrifying for any potential parent. And there is no doubt that the hospital is the best place to be if something goes wrong during childbirth. Having the mother and baby ICU within walking distance provides a security blanket that can never be matched outside of a medical facility. But there is a cost. For starters, the mother and baby may miss out on vital bonding time due to medical evaluations being performed. The benefit of bonding between mom and baby is not something that should be taken for granted. It has been stated that “there is a delicate period in the first minutes and hours of life during which it is necessary for the mother and father to have close contact with the newborn for subsequent development to be optimal”. (B&B 392.3)There is also the financial cost. It's no secret that babies are expensive, it's often not something that is fully realized with in-depth analysis. A home birth can cost around $5,000 (moneycrashers), while an uncomplicated vaginal birth in a hospital can cost around $9,600. A C-section could cost $15,800. (WebMD) It's important to note that medical insurance is much more likely to pay for a portion of a hospital birth or a home birth. Now, no one would think of complaining about the costs to be incurred to ensure the safe birth of their child, especially in a society where we tend to believe that "health depends mainly on the intervention of the doctor". (B&B 67) We also tend to believe that “the essential requirement for health is the early detection of disease.” (B&B 67) This could explain the other aspect of the medicalization of childbirth, prenatal care. Pregnancy is now shaped by appointments, tests and nutritional supplements. While it is undeniable that our diets are often deficient in certain nutrients and that this can contribute to a variety of medical problems for the unborn child, it is baffling that pills are the right answer. Additionally, we see the prevalence of ultrasounds and ultrasounds, as well as amniocentesis and genetic testing, all in an effort to detect the possibility of disease in the unborn child. All of this contributes to the mother's stress. There is something to be said about ignorance being a blessing. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay There are both costs and benefits that come with the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth. There.