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A recent Dartmouth-led study has highlighted the significant role of emotional support in reducing stress levels during childbirth. The study suggests that pregnant individuals who were unable to have their desired emotional support persons present during childbirth experienced higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to the stress associated with a Cesarean section delivery.
The findings, published in Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health, are based on data collected from an online survey conducted in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 and Reproductive Effects Study. The study surveyed 1,100 pregnant persons and explored how the pandemic affected their health and well-being. Many participants experienced hospital restrictions that limited the number of support people they could have during labor, leading to increased stress levels.
“For most of human history, childbirth has been a communal experience, supported by trusted individuals,” said Zaneta Thayer ’08, an associate professor of anthropology at Dartmouth and lead author of the study. “Our research underscores the stress that results when people do not have access to emotional support during childbirth.”
Research has previously demonstrated the benefits of emotional support during labor, including shorter labor, reduced medication use, and lower C-section rates. Thayer notes that these benefits are likely linked to lower stress hormones and increased oxytocin levels when individuals feel emotionally supported.
Oxytocin, a hormone known for its role in stimulating contractions, also has calming and pain-relieving effects. Additionally, it promotes bonding between parents and infants after birth.
The study found that approximately 30% of participants were unable to have at least one desired support person present during childbirth due to hospital restrictions. The restrictions led to 93% of these individuals experiencing higher levels of perceived stress. Additionally, 14% of participants reported that their healthcare providers seemed busy or distracted, which further contributed to elevated stress levels.
The study also found that individuals with higher levels of education reported significantly higher levels of childbirth stress. However, the survey’s participant pool was predominantly white, so the results may not fully reflect the experiences of diverse populations. Thayer suggests that emotional support could be even more critical for individuals who experience discrimination or mistreatment in the medical system.
Thayer emphasizes the importance of maintaining access to emotional support during labor, especially during times of public health emergencies. “Making people feel safe, secure, and supported during labor improves maternal and child outcomes,” she said. “Emotional support should always be prioritized when possible.”
Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions presented in this article are based on the study published in Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health and are not necessarily reflective of all childbirth experiences. Each individual’s circumstances and the level of support they receive can vary.
More information: Thayer, Z. M., et al. (2024). Evolutionary mismatch in emotional support during childbirth: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health.
