Medics have been asked to say, "you're doing really well" instead of "good girl". Photo / Getty
Medics have been asked to say, "you're doing really well" instead of "good girl". Photo / Getty
An "alternative" language guide has been created for midwives to use in the hope of instilling a "culture of respect" for pregnant women.
Three experts devised the list of suggested phrases for common terms, in the hope it will ensure women are 'empowered to make decisions'.
Medics have been asked to say, "you're doing really well", to women pushing a baby out - instead of the old-fashioned term, "good girl".
It also stresses that midwives and obstetricians should never address the pregnant woman as a "she" when they are discussing the situation at hand, reports Daily Mail.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has announced it will "abide by these principles" in its own guidelines issued to its members.
The authors accepted that some may think the new recommendations, which are only a suggestion and aren't from the NHS, are 'political correctness gone mad'.
Instead, they should constantly refer to her first name, according to the guide that was published in the British Medical Journal.
And the authors pointed to evidence that shows positive communication can alter the course of pregnancy for the better.
Reviews of research reveal that clear language can reduce the rates of potentially dangerous Caesarean sections, the medics explained.
Professor Andrew Weeks, who works at the International Maternal Health Care at the University of Liverpool, was one of the three authors of the guide.
The others included Natalie Mobbs, a medical student at Liverpool, and Catherine Williams, a committee member of National Maternity Voices.
Writing in the BMJ, they said: "Language matters as a way of respecting women's views and ensuring that they are empowered to make decisions
Photo / British Medical Journal
"The use of insensitive language can be indicative of an underlying malaise, which reveals underlying attitudes and prejudices.
"It is essential that we achieve respectful practice, ensuring that women have complete understanding and control of their own care."
The three authors continued: "If we can achieve that, then the use of appropriate language will follow on naturally."
"Good communication during the birthing process is critical to good maternity care, but achieving a shift in deeply ingrained language, and the thinking it reflects, is difficult.
"There is a fine line between changing terminology to integrate language which is more respectful, inclusive, and less intimidating for the mother, and substituting vague, verbose language which hinders the original message."
The guide also asks midwives to avoid discouraging or insensitive language, such as the phrase "terminate pregnancy".
It also stresses midwives should never address the pregnant woman as a "she". Photo / Getty
Edward Morris, vice president of RCOG, said the guide "highlights the importance of creating a culture of respect for women during pregnancy, labour and after birth."
He added: "It is essential healthcare professionals ensure women feel like they are in control of their own pregnancy and birth and are involved in what is happening to them.
"The RCOG welcomes this recognition and seeks to abide by these principals in our own guidelines to ensure that women are at the centre of their own care.
"Through our work with the Women's Network, the College actively engages women in the decision making process around the creation of guidelines and information for women.
"It is important that all healthcare professionals note this change in communication as it can significantly improve a woman's birthing experience and postnatal health."
The latest guidelines issued by Nice emphasise the fundamental importance of clear communication between pregnant women.
