Thread by @WHO

A new WHO study shows alarming rates of mistreatment during childbirth.
Across 4 countries, 4 in 10 women experienced physical or verbal abuse, stigma, or discrimination bit.ly/2IzWMAt

@HRPresearch @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHO_Europe @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO @pahowho Younger, less-educated women are the most at risk of mistreatment during childbirth, which can incl.
👎🏾physical & verbal abuse
👎🏾stigmatization & discrimination
👎🏾medical procedures conducted without their consent
👎🏾use of force during procedures
👎🏾abandonment or neglect by👩🏾‍⚕️

@HRPresearch @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHO_Europe @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO @pahowho More than 1 in 10 women experienced physical abuse during childbirth - most commonly being slapped, hit or punched bit.ly/2IzWMAt

@HRPresearch @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHO_Europe @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO @pahowho Nearly 4 in 10 women experience high levels of verbal abuse during childbirth – most often, being shouted at, scolded and mocked bit.ly/2IzWMAt

@HRPresearch @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHO_Europe @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO @pahowho Nearly 6 in 10 women did not consent to their first vaginal examination bit.ly/2IzWMAt

@HRPresearch @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHO_Europe @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO @pahowho Many women experienced nonconsensual procedures:
👎🏾More than 1 in 10 had caesarean sections
👎🏾More than 5 in 10 had episiotomies (surgical cuts made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth)
👎🏾More than 2 in 10 had induction of labour
bit.ly/2IzWMAt

@HRPresearch @WHOAFRO @WHOEMRO @WHO_Europe @WHOSEARO @WHOWPRO @pahowho Many women experience neglect during childbirth.
More than 3 in 10 women who requested pain relief during childbirth did not receive any bit.ly/2IzWMAt

All women have the right to a positive childbirth experience, which incl
👍🏽Respect and dignity
👍🏽Informed consent
👍🏽A companion of choice
👍🏽Clear communication by maternity staff
👍🏽Pain relief strategies
👍🏽Mobility in labour and birth position of choice

Every birth is unique.
Some labours progress quickly, others don't.
Unnecessary medical interventions should be avoided if the woman and her baby are in good condition
bit.ly/2BuzkSl

Individualized, supportive care is key for a positive childbirth experience bit.ly/2BuzkSl