UK Television Birth Depictions May Misinform Public, Says Study
A recent study conducted by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Liverpool has raised concerns about the inaccurate depiction of birthing practices on UK television programs. The study focused on three popular fictional and reality TV shows – BBC’s Call The Midwife, This Is Going To Hurt, and Channel 4’s One Born Every Minute – and analyzed 87 births shown in 48 episodes. The aim was to compare these depictions with modern guidelines set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The findings, published in JRSM Open, revealed that while the TV programs generally showcased up-to-date labor care practices, there were inaccuracies and misinterpretations when it came to the depiction of midwives and doctors clamping the umbilical cord. In fact, in one-third of the instances, clamping was shown either inaccurately or with minimal importance, without any safety information provided to viewers.
This misrepresentation is problematic as it presents harmful traditional medical practices as standard in modern TV programs. In reality, these practices can lead to serious complications such as death or brain injuries in premature babies. Without a safety warning to clarify that the depicted clamping practices are incorrect, the general public and healthcare professionals may be misled into believing that these practices are acceptable.
Cord clamping during childbirth refers to the clamping of the umbilical cord between the mother and child before it is tied and cut. It is essential that this procedure occurs within a one-to-five-minute window after birth. Clamping the cord too early can hinder the circulation of blood between the mother and the baby when the baby starts breathing. This can lead to a deprivation of blood flow to the baby’s lungs.
The researchers found that cord clamping was rarely shown on TV, and when it was depicted, it received less attention compared to the baby’s first cry or the cutting of the cord – a ritual increasingly performed by fathers in modern times. Moreover, in only four out of 25 instances, clamping was shown to occur after one minute, while in the remaining 21 instances, clamping appeared to happen immediately or too early, contrary to current NICE guidelines. Although it is not essential for cord clamping to be featured in televised births, the inaccurate portrayal may convince viewers that they are witnessing correct birthing practices.
Professor Susan Bewley, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Women’s Health at King’s College London, highlighted the need for broadcasters to inform viewers about outdated practices and their potential risks. She compared this to the responsible reporting on sleeping positions associated with cot death, claiming that broadcasters have a public health duty to provide safety recommendations when showing such outdated and inaccurate birthing practices.
Professor Andrew Weeks, a Professor of International Maternal Health at the University of Liverpool, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the incorrect depictions of common birthing practices on popular television programs can lead to misinterpretations among the public. He highlighted the importance of clarifying language used in programming, such as the term delayed or deferred clamping, to ensure that viewers understand that early or immediate clamping is not the correct practice. He called for safety recommendations to be integrated into TV dramas to prevent viewers from being misinformed.
In conclusion, while it is commendable that UK television programs have accurately portrayed some changes in childbirth practices over the last century, the study warns that the inaccuracies in the depiction of cord clamping during birth can have detrimental consequences. By failing to inform viewers about the safety aspects and showcasing outdated practices, broadcasters are inadvertently spreading incorrect information. It is crucial for broadcasters to provide accurate information and recommendations, ensuring that the general public and healthcare professionals have access to reliable and up-to-date knowledge on birthing practices.
