1. Motherhood in Modern Society & the Impact on Women’s Lives Part A – Lessons from history By Bernadette Gregory

2. Before we look forward we need to look back What were the major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity - 100 years ago? - 50 years ago? It is a combination of things that have brought about change including ……

3. The last 100 years 1.Legislation 2.Improved social conditions 3.Political decisions 4.Medical advances 5.Technological advances 6.Improved working conditions 7.Influence of social mores and prejudices

4. 1. Legislation Voting rights for women (1928) Midwives Act (1902) Education Act (1944) Abortion Act (1967) Free family planning services (1974) Human Fertilisation Act (1991) The Equality Act (2010) See www.parliament.ukwww.parliament.uk

5. Improved social conditions Examples: Better housing Improved sanitation Safer working conditions Reduced family size and family planning Immunisation Better access to healthy food Transport systems Introduction of the NHS in 1948

6. Medical advances Blood transfusions 1942 Introduction of penicillin 1944 Ergometrine 1947 Oral contraceptive pill 1961 Syntometrine 1964 Safer abortions (1967) Safer analgesia and anaesthesia Drug regulation - 1 st Dangerous Drug Act 1920 Source www.spartacus.school.net.co.ukwww.spartacus.school.net.co.uk

7. Technological advances Some examples: Vacuum cleaner Washing machine Hairdryer Car Drugs Family planning methods

8. Improved working conditions Safer workplaces Especially in regards to young people Less exploitation Reduced working week Paid annual leave Better training and education Maternity pay and leave Paternity pay and leave See www.directgov.ukwww.directgov.uk

9. Influence of social mores and prejudices Teenage mothers Abortion/ family planning Unmarried mothers Divorce and separation Intentionally single Mixed race partnerships Lesbian, gay and transsexual relationships Working mothers Breast feeding in public allowed

10. So what are the major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity today in the UK? Activity Find the latest version of the CMACE report www.rcog.org.ukwww.rcog.org.uk What do you think were the major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity 100 years ago? 50 years ago? 20 years ago?

11. Pause for thought What are going to be the likely major causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the future?

12. Possible answers Iatrogenesis Drug errors (see npsa.nhs.org.uk) Transfusion errors – Serious hazards of transfusion (See www.shotuk.org) www.shotuk.org Lack of referral Lack multi agency working e.g. poor communication Poor hygiene in health care setting with potential rising infection rates (see data.gov.uk)data.gov.uk

13. Bibliography Denny,S. & Earle,S. (eds) (2009) Sociology for Nurses 2 nd edition Cambridge Polity Press Larkin, M (2009) Vulnerable Groups in Health and Social Care London Sage publications McKay-Moffatt, S.(ed) (2007) Disability in Pregnancy and Childbirth Edinburgh Churchill Livingstone Richens, Y. (ed) ( 2007) Challenges for Midwives Vol 2 London Quay Books Royal College of Midwives (2012) Midwives Issue 1 44-45 www.rcm.org.uk/midwives/feastures/delivering-in-the-age-of-super-diversity Squire, C (ed) (2011) The Social Context of Birth 2 nd edition