A recent study indicates that pregnant individuals who could not have their preferred emotional support during childbirth experienced greater levels of perceived stress compared to those who had their support network present.
While most animal species, including other primates, give birth without assistance, humans often require help during this complex physiological process.
A study led by researchers from Dartmouth reveals that pregnant individuals who missed their chosen emotional support during childbirth reported feeling more stressed than those who had their support people with them.
The study found that this increased level of perceived stress was similar to the stress experienced during a Cesarean section.
The results of this research are published in Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health.
“Throughout most of human history, individuals have been supported in childbirth by familiar and trusted people, often women,” states Zaneta Thayer ’08, an anthropology associate professor at Dartmouth. “Our research emphasizes the stress that arises when individuals lack such support.”
Studies have documented the advantages of emotional support during childbirth, such as reduced labor time, decreased need for medication, and improved outcomes, including lower rates of C-sections.
“These benefits may be related to a reduction in stress hormones and increased oxytocin levels when people feel emotionally supported during labor,” explains Thayer.
Oxytocin, known for triggering contractions, also has soothing and pain-relieving properties. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in breastfeeding and enhancing the bond between parents and their newborns.
The research team gathered data from their 2020 COVID-19 and Reproductive Effects Study, which involved an online survey of 1,100 pregnant individuals assessing the impact of COVID-19 on their health and healthcare experiences. Not one participant expressed a desire to give birth alone.
However, due to COVID-19 hospital restrictions in 2020, numerous individuals ended up giving birth without their support or were allowed just one support person.
About 30% of those surveyed reported that at least one individual they wanted present at their child’s birth could not attend, with 93% citing hospital restrictions as the reason. Many expressed a desire to have their partner, doula, and/or mother with them during labor.
Additionally, 14% of participants felt that their healthcare providers appeared busy, distracted, or unavailable, which correlated with increased levels of perceived birth stress.
Interestingly, those with higher educational attainment reported notably higher childbirth stress.
The majority of survey participants were white, limiting the study’s representativeness of the broader population. However, the findings suggest that having sufficient support is even more critical for individuals who may face discrimination or mistreatment within the healthcare system.
“We understand that making individuals feel secure, supported, and safe during labor contributes positively to maternal and child health outcomes,” remarks Thayer. “Therefore, ensuring access to emotional support during labor and delivery should always be prioritized whenever possible, including during public health crises or other emergencies.”
