Health Update: Rituals of birth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ROUTINE antenatal procedures such as weighing the mother, taking her blood pressure, testing the urine and listening to the fetal heart are of dubious value, according to a specialist at Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London. Writing in the British Medical Journal, Professor Philip Steer says these 'rituals' have been found to have no other value than providing reassurance to the mother.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments