deny or respect a woman’s autonomy and decision making. Therefore, health professionals need to be aware
of the language they use, in order to show consideration for the women in their care but also to respect their
human rights to freedom of choice and privacy and dignity during childbirth (Kelley et al., 2014). Research
undertaken over a three- month period assessed and evaluated language used in maternity settings. A key
development from the findings was a table of recommendations of language to avoid in practice (Phillips
and Wilcock, 2018). Through comments on social media from health professionals, six key categories were
identified as requiring adaptation. These categories were: paternalistic or patronising language; language which
objectifies women; anxiety-provoking language; dictatorial language; discouraging language and exclusive or
codified language (Mobbs, Williams and Weeks, 2018). Some medical jargon however cannot be changed due
to the nature of the response it brings. For example, a ‘crash section’ is understood by all health professionals
in maternity to be a caesarean section which needs to be undertaken as quickly as possible as either mother
or baby are at risk. The alteration of this to the longer explanation would waste valuable time needed for
the nature of the emergency. However, Mobbs, Williams and Weeks, (2018) recommended changing ‘foetal
distress’ to ‘changes in the baby’s heart rate pattern’ and changing ‘failure to progress’ to ‘slow labour’. Words
such as ‘presenting complaint’ and ‘a patient suffering with a problem’ do not empower patients to take control
of their own health care as they frequently do not understand the medical terminology. This can undermine
the women and lead to a lack of confidence to talk through how they are feeling. The recommendations from
Mobbs, Williams and Weeks (2018) should be implemented throughout maternity services to improve the
communication between health care professionals and the women and families.
Recommendation of Communication in Midwifery (Mobbs, Williams and Weeks, 2018)
Example of poor language
Suggested alternative language
Avoiding phrases that are Fetal Distress
Changes in the baby’s heart rate pattern
anxiety-provoking, over-
Trial of forceps
To see if we can help the baby out using forceps
dramatic or violent
Labour ward
Birthing suite
Rupture the membranes
Release the waters
Bloody show
A show with some blood in it
Big baby
Healthy baby
Respecting women as
My woman (for the woman
Use her name (or say the woman I am caring for)
autonomous adults
giving birth)
Girls (for staff, midwives)
Midwives
Good girl (during labour)
You’re doing really well
Respecting women as
Delivered
Gave birth
individuals (rather than
The primigravida in room 12 Use her name (best) or say ‘The woman in room
simply a container and
12’
mechanism for producing I’ll go and consent her
I’ll go and ask if she is happy with that and ask
a baby)
her to sign a consent form/ discuss informed
consent
She (when present in the
Use her name and be careful of speaking about
room)
her rather than to her
She’s 7cm
[Woman’s name]’s cervix is 7cm dilated
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