The groans of women in travail have helped make BBC’s Call The Midwife one of the most popular dramas on television. However, a recent study has found that the show does not accurately depict labour, which could misinform prospective parents and professionals. Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Liverpool analysed 87 births shown in 48 episodes of three UK popular fictional and reality TV programmes – including Call The Midwife. They discovered that the show often portrayed inaccurate or dramatised versions of clamping the umbilical cord, a crucial part of the delivery process. This is concerning, as such misleading depictions may lead to misinterpretations of correct medical practices by the public.
Andrew Weeks, a Professor of maternal health at the University of Liverpool, stated that harmful medical practices, showcased as standard practice on television, can cause death and brain injuries in premature babies. He added that TV programmes like Call The Midwife present incorrect depictions, which can lead to misunderstandings about proper procedures. For example, the language used to describe “delayed” or “deferred” clamping can give the impression that it should be done “early” or “immediately”, which is not accurate. Cord clamping refers to the process of clamping the umbilical cord between the mother and child. According to guidelines, clamping should not occur until between one and five minutes after birth, to allow for proper blood circulation.
The researchers found that cord clamping was rarely shown on TV and was given less attention compared to other aspects of childbirth, such as the baby’s first cry or the cutting of the cord. Out of the 25 instances, only four correctly depicted cord clamping taking place after at least one minute, while the rest occurred too early. Susan Bewley, Professor of Obstetrics and Women’s Health at King’s College London, emphasized the need for accurate representations in television dramas, as they can influence people’s perceptions of real-world care. She called for safety warnings to be provided when outdated practices are shown. By doing so, broadcasters can fulfill their public health duty to inform viewers about recommended medical interventions.
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