Foetus parties show "commercialisation" of pregnancy, says top midwife

www.grub4life.org.uk today reports that the country's top midwife has raised concerns about what she described as "the worrying trend towards the commercialisation of pregnancy", such as the increase in "foetus parties". 19-01-2012

Professor Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said many women now had greater expectations and aspirations about childbirth.
 
But she warned those who went over the top in celebrating their pregnancy - which she derided as "yummy mummy" or "WAG" parenting - could need intensive counselling if something went wrong before birth.
 
Diagnostic scans were often now regarded as "entertainment", she said, which was "a far cry from their original purpose". Private firms were cashing in by offering "VIP" packages for up to £185, she noted.

Writing for the BBC News website's Scrubbing Up column, Prof Warwick argued: "I think the worrying trend towards the commercialisation of pregnancy and trend in 'foetus parties' can add to the burden and can increase the expectation for mothers which midwives then have to deal with.”
 
Prof Warwick said ultrasound was intended to be a screening tool to help detect babies with serious problems and ensure pregnancy management was tailored appropriately.

With thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk
 
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9011133/Foetus-parties-show-commercialisation-of-pregnancy-says-top-midwife.html