Transcript Part A - Lessons from history

Motherhood in Modern Society &
the Impact on Women’s Lives
Part A – Lessons from history
By Bernadette Gregory
Before we look forward we need to look
back
• What were the major causes of maternal
mortality and morbidity
- 100 years ago?
- 50 years ago?
It is a combination of things that have brought
about change including ……
The last 100 years
1.
2.
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6.
7.
Legislation
Improved social conditions
Political decisions
Medical advances
Technological advances
Improved working conditions
Influence of social mores and prejudices
1. Legislation
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Voting rights for women (1928)
Midwives Act (1902)
Education Act (1944)
Abortion Act (1967)
Free family planning services (1974)
Human Fertilisation Act (1991)
The Equality Act (2010)
See www.parliament.uk
Improved social conditions
Examples:
• Better housing
• Improved sanitation
• Safer working conditions
• Reduced family size and family planning
• Immunisation
• Better access to healthy food
• Transport systems
• Introduction of the NHS in 1948
Medical advances
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Blood transfusions 1942
Introduction of penicillin 1944
Ergometrine 1947
Oral contraceptive pill 1961
Syntometrine 1964
Safer abortions (1967)
Safer analgesia and anaesthesia
Drug regulation - 1st Dangerous Drug Act 1920
Source www.spartacus.school.net.co.uk
Technological advances
Some examples:
• Vacuum cleaner
• Washing machine
• Hairdryer
• Car
• Drugs
• Family planning methods
Improved working conditions
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Safer workplaces
Especially in regards to young people
Less exploitation
Reduced working week
Paid annual leave
Better training and education
Maternity pay and leave
Paternity pay and leave
See www.directgov.uk
Influence of social mores and prejudices
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Teenage mothers
Abortion/ family planning
Unmarried mothers
Divorce and separation
Intentionally single
Mixed race partnerships
Lesbian, gay and transsexual relationships
Working mothers
Breast feeding in public allowed
So what are the major causes of maternal
mortality and morbidity today in the UK?
Activity
• Find the latest version of the CMACE report www.rcog.org.uk
• What do you think were the major causes of maternal
mortality and morbidity 100 years ago? 50 years ago? 20
years ago?
Pause for thought
What are going to be the likely major causes of
maternal mortality and morbidity in the
future?
Possible answers
• Iatrogenesis
• Drug errors (see npsa.nhs.org.uk)
• Transfusion errors – Serious hazards of transfusion (See
www.shotuk.org)
• Lack of referral
• Lack multi agency working e.g. poor communication
• Poor hygiene in health care setting with potential rising
infection rates (see data.gov.uk)
Bibliography
Denny,S. & Earle,S. (eds) (2009) Sociology for Nurses 2nd edition Cambridge
Polity Press
Larkin, M (2009) Vulnerable Groups in Health and Social Care London Sage
publications
McKay-Moffatt, S.(ed) (2007) Disability in Pregnancy and Childbirth Edinburgh
Churchill Livingstone
Richens, Y. (ed) ( 2007) Challenges for Midwives Vol 2 London Quay Books
Royal College of Midwives (2012) Midwives Issue 1 44-45
www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/feastures/delivering-in-the-age-of-super-diversity
Squire, C (ed) (2011) The Social Context of Birth 2nd edition