Why Films About Pregnancy, Labour, and Birth Are Inauthentic — Do Any Portray the Experience Accurately?

Do Any Films Portray the Experience of Pregnancy, Labour and Birth Accurately?

Films and television shows are often a key source of information and entertainment for many people. As an expectant parent, it’s natural to turn to films about pregnancy, labour, and birth to prepare for the life-changing journey ahead. However, if you’ve ever watched these films, you may have noticed something: the portrayal of pregnancy, labour, and birth in popular media often seems far removed from reality. These depictions can be misleading, sometimes dangerously so, and may not accurately reflect the complexities of the experience.

From the dramatic portrayal of labour pains to the seemingly instantaneous births, many films about pregnancy and childbirth give viewers a skewed perception of what to expect. But why are these films so inauthentic? And more importantly, do any portray the experience accurately? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of film portrayals on the public’s understanding of antenatal care, pregnancy, and labour. We’ll explore why these portrayals are so often inaccurate, what the dangers of this inauthenticity are, and which films and media might do a better job of reflecting the true nature of pregnancy, labour, and birth.

One of the main reasons why pregnancy and birth are often portrayed in an unrealistic way in films is because of the idealised image of pregnancy. Many films, especially in Hollywood, often focus on the more glamorous side of being pregnant — the glowing skin, the joyful anticipation, and the seamless birth. Prenatal care in films often looks effortless, with little-to-no mention of the actual hard work that goes into a healthy pregnancy.

In reality, pregnancy is far from a perfect, seamless process. Pregnancy care can involve a range of challenges, from morning sickness to fatigue and swelling, none of which are usually depicted in film. Moreover, antenatal appointments are typically glossed over or ignored entirely. This makes it difficult for viewers to grasp the importance of regular check-ups and the importance of antenatal support.

For instance, in films, the pregnancy journey may feel like a romanticised dream. However, the reality is that many pregnant women experience challenges, such as the need for antenatal vitamins to support healthy fetal development, managing prenatal massage for relief, or attending a pregnancy clinic for important scans.

In reality, pregnancy care requires a comprehensive, holistic approach, including proper nutrition, rest, exercise (such as prenatal yoga or pregnancy yoga classes), and regular check-ups to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.

Birth in Films: Too Fast and Too Easy?

One of the most prominent issues with how films portray birth is the way it unfolds too quickly and without the necessary complexity. In popular films, birth often occurs in a matter of minutes, with little-to-no discussion of the arduous hours of labour, the pain, the various interventions, or the emotional and physical toll it takes on the birthing person.

Take, for instance, the classic film scene where a mother suddenly goes into labour, and within minutes, a healthy baby is born with little to no complications. This is rarely the case in real life. For most expectant parents, labour and birth can last hours, sometimes even days, and may involve a range of emotions and decisions that are not seen on screen.

The rush to make birth scenes dramatic and action-packed can overshadow the importance of understanding the full scope of labour and birth. While films rarely show the importance of antenatal education, birth plans, or the critical role of antenatal support teams, these are essential parts of the journey. In real life, birth is a dynamic process that can be influenced by a range of factors, from the mother’s physical health to the support of her birthing team.

The Danger of Inaccurate Portrayals

The problem with inauthentic portrayals of pregnancy and birth in films is not just that they mislead audiences — it’s that they can contribute to unrealistic expectations that may be harmful to real-life parents. Expectant parents who only see birth depicted as quick, painless, and problem-free may feel unprepared for the reality of their own experience. This lack of preparation can lead to feelings of fear, disappointment, and confusion when things don’t go according to the filmic script.

For example, many films downplay the role of antenatal care, leading viewers to believe that it’s not necessary to attend regular appointments. This neglect of essential care is especially dangerous because routine check-ups, such as antenatal scans, play a vital role in ensuring both mother and baby’s well-being. Similarly, films rarely address the importance of preparing for unexpected complications or discussing potential medical interventions like pain relief, epidurals, or caesarean sections.

In some cases, films even portray medical professionals as overly casual about important procedures, giving viewers a false sense of security. In reality, antenatal support, including working closely with an obstetrician, midwife, or doula, is an essential part of a positive birth experience.

How Are Labour and Birth Portrayed in Media?

While films are often criticised for their inaccuracy, other forms of media — such as documentaries, TV series, or even books — may offer a more realistic portrayal of labour and birth. Let’s examine a few examples:

Documentaries and Birth Stories: Real-life birth stories can offer invaluable insights into the complexity of labour and delivery. Documentaries like The Business of Being Born provide an honest portrayal of pregnancy care and the birth experience. By focusing on real stories, they allow viewers to see the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of the process. They also cover important antenatal topics like prenatal care and antenatal education, giving viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the journey ahead.

Antenatal Education in TV Shows: Some TV shows that focus on pregnancy and birth may do a better job of addressing the full range of experiences. Shows like Call the Midwife depict labour and birth with a focus on both the joys and challenges of childbirth. While the show is set in the 1950s and 1960s, it does an excellent job of representing a wide range of childbirth experiences, including complications, medical support, and the realities of antenatal appointments and prenatal care.

Books and Blogs by Birthing Professionals: Reading books or blogs by professionals in antenatal care and labour support is an excellent way to prepare for the experience. Books such as Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin provide an in-depth and empowering look at what birth can really be like. They offer a realistic, well-rounded view of birth that films often fail to convey.

What Can You Do to Prepare for Labour and Birth?

While films may fail to portray pregnancy and labour in an authentic way, there are many ways you can prepare for the experience in a way that feels more true to life.

Attend Antenatal Classes: One of the best ways to prepare for childbirth is to attend antenatal classes. These classes offer invaluable insight into the process of labour, pain relief options, and what to expect during the first few days with your newborn. You’ll also learn about prenatal care, the stages of labour, and how to handle any potential complications. Many antenatal classes are available online, so you can find one that suits your schedule and needs.

Build Your Support Network: Having a reliable and supportive birth team — which can include a partner, midwife, doula, or family member — can help ensure you feel empowered and informed throughout the process. Antenatal support during labour is crucial for both your mental and physical well-being.

Develop a Birth Plan: While things may not go according to plan, having a birth plan can help guide your experience and give you something to fall back on. Discuss your plan with your healthcare provider and make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected changes during labour.

Research Pain Relief Options: Films often skip over the complexity of pain relief options during labour. From natural techniques like prenatal yoga and relaxation during pregnancy to medical interventions such as epidurals, it’s essential to understand the options available to you so you can make an informed decision.

Why Authenticity in Birth Matters

Inaccurate portrayals of pregnancy and birth in films can have a dangerous impact on how expectant parents view the process. It is crucial for antenatal care providers, expectant parents, and healthcare professionals to understand that the birth experience is nuanced and personal. By seeking out more accurate depictions through documentaries, books, and classes, you can approach your birth experience with the knowledge, understanding, and confidence you need.

Ultimately, while films might not always get it right, there are plenty of resources that will give you a clear, honest, and empowering picture of what to expect. Preparing for labour and birth requires careful thought, education, and antenatal support — all of which are essential for ensuring that you feel confident, supported, and ready for the journey ahead.