Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities: A Guide to the Medical Literature

Anyone working to improve the childbearing experience and help women avoid unnecessary intervention has encountered numerous obstetric myths or old doctors' tales. And while the evidence in the medical literature may be solidly, often unequivocably, against whatever the doctor said, without access to that evidence, the pregnant woman is quite reasonably going to follow her doctor. This book is an attempt to make the medical literature on a variety of key obstetric issues accessible to people who lack the time, expertise, access, or proximity to a medical library to research concerns on their own. This compact, accurate, yet understandable reference is designed for people without medical training and organized for easy access.

After an introductory chapter giving basic information about the different types of medical studies, how to evaluate them, and some basic statistical concepts, Goer provides chapters on cesarean issues, pregnancy and labor management, and a review of alternative approaches. Each chapter begins with a stated myth, followed by an examination of the reality. Goer then analyzes the mainstream belief, pointing out its fallacies. Then comes a list of significant points gleaned from the studies and keyed to her abstracts. Next is the outline by which the abstracts are grouped. Finally come the numbered abstracts of relevant articles published, in most cases, after 1980. The book concludes with a glossary of medical terms and an index. This compact, accurate, and understandable reference tool is designed for people without medical training as well as care givers.

Anyone working to improve the childbearing experience and help women avoid unnecessary intervention has encountered numerous "obstetric myths" or "old doctors' tales." And while the evidence in the medical literature may be solidly, often unequivocably, against whatever "the doctor said," without access to that evidence, the pregnant woman is quite reasonably going to follow her doctor. This book is an attempt to make the medical literature on a variety of key obstetric issues accessible to people who lack the time, expertise, access, or proximity to a medical library to research concerns on their own. This compact, accurate, yet understandable reference is designed for people without medical training and organized for easy access.

HENCI GOER is an ASPO-certified childbirth educator and doula (professional labor support).

Introduction

The Nature of Evidence: How to Read the Medical Literature

The Cesarean Epidemic

The Cesarean Rate

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

Cephalopelvic Disproportion, Failure to Progress, Labor Dystocia and Active Management

Breech Presentation

Fetal Distress and Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Pregnancy and Labor Management

Gestational Diabetes

Postdates Pregnancy: Induction versus Watching and Waiting

Premature Rupture of Membranes at Term

IVs versus Eating and Drinking in Labor

Amniotomy

Epidural Anesthesia

Episiotomy

The Case for an Alternative System

Midwives

The Freestanding Birth Center

Home Birth

The Nature of Evidence (Reprise): Why the Gap Between Belief and Reality?

Glossary