City Research Online

Abstract

Objective
To critically engage with the body project of induction of labour.

Design
A nested, qualitative study that formed part of a feasibility Random Controlled Trial investigating different methods of outpatient induction of labour. The data reported in this article were gathered via interview with women and midwives involved in the trial. All the participants who took part in the trial presented as cisgender women.

Findings
Analysis of 27 interview transcripts suggested that the expansion in choice of when, how and where to start labour can change the way decisions about labour onset is understood. The space needed for a new body project is emerging where distinctions between medicalised labour and spontaneous labour are less clear.

Conclusion
The embodiment of the new technologies of induction for those involved in this study was both a facet of increased freedom and autonomy and a gendered discourse where the normative function of routine intervention appeared more complete.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	Induction of labour, embodiment theory, Women, midwives, spontaneous physiology
Subjects:	R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics T Technology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Midwifery & Radiography
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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