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Pregnancy Influencers: The Public Needs Safeguarding from Harmful Guidance.
Despite all the proven advances of modern medicine, some people are drawn to non-traditional or “holistic” remedies and practices. A number of these do no harm. As one cancer specialist observed in the past year, people receiving cancer treatment will frequently try meditation or vitamins too. When such a practice is in addition to, and not in place of, scientifically-backed treatment, this is usually not a concern. If it reduces distress, it can help.
The Proliferation of Digital Wellness Influencers
But the proliferation of online health influencers poses challenges that governments and regulators in many countries have not fully understood. An investigation into a particular business offering membership and advice to expectant mothers has revealed numerous cases of third-trimester fetal deaths or other serious harm involving mothers or birth attendants associated with it. While the entity is based in North Carolina, its influence is global.
“Across whole populations, going through labour and birth without skilled support is associated with higher levels of risk for mother and baby,” according to a professor of midwifery.
Examining the Risks and Context
Giving birth without medical assistance, known as free birth, is legal in countries including the UK and US. The risks are poorly documented due to a lack of data. Childbirth can be a frightening prospect, and high-quality care is far from guaranteed. In England, a shocking recently published report found two-thirds of hospital maternity services to be unsafe or in need of improvement.
Concerns of medical systems and particular, persistent issues with maternity care are in many cases valid. A significant number of the women spoken to for the investigation had in the past experienced distressing births.
Skepticism and the Proliferation of Falsehoods
But while distrust of established systems may be based on experience, it has also become a fertile ground for other influencers seeking followers to their unorthodox methods and DIY ethos. During the pandemic, a “wellness” industry ostensibly focused on healthy living was involved in spreading lies about vaccines and feeding suspicion about government advice.
Concern is growing that such beliefs are gaining more general traction. One presentation given at a medical symposium focused on misinformation, which it said had “significantly deteriorated in the past decade”. The inquiry shows that behind the facade of an rebellious community lies an operation that trains women as social media influencers as in addition to birth attendants. The organization does not claim to be a certified medical provider.
The Requirement for Protections and Reforms
There is no going back to a time when doctors were presumed to know best. Vast quantities of scientific research are published online and many people use these to beneficial effect. But there is also a need for protections from dangerous advice. It is well known that the algorithms used by tech companies reward more extreme content.
In the UK, necessary reforms to maternity services are urgently needed. They must include the choice of home birth and the availability of clear information to empower women in making decisions. Policymakers and organizations such as the World Health Organization should also create plans for the information ecosystem so that evidence-based healthcare is not compromised.
Margaret Crane
A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring the latest innovations and sharing practical lifestyle advice.
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