Women\u27s Innate Experiences with Pain: Pregnancy and Childbirth

The history of women’s experience during pregnancy and childbirth is important in understanding the current conditions women face when receiving reproductive healthcare. There have been many studies and reports on the history of obstetrics, as well as on the social implications of past obstetrics practices and beliefs. Despite the medical advances that have been made to make childbirth much safer and less painful, there are still large disparities in care among marginalized women. These women are also more likely to face abuses during their pregnancies and childbirth. This report investigates the history of abuses towards women during pregnancy and childbirth and compares this history to the current status of obstetrics care in order to identify the disparities that still exist, and their causes. This report using historical records, retrospective medical studies, and modern medical journals to compare and contrast obstetrics practices and the experience of pregnant women. These findings will help women and healthcare providers understand how biases and structural inequalities still impact natal care, so as to help avoid these abuses and make care safe and comfortable for all women