RE: Medicalization of Pregnancy: Modern Medicine As A Form Of Social Control
You are touching on something that I am passionate about, regardless of the medical specialty. Personal choices, and the freedom (to the extent that it has not been lost) include choosing alternatives that may not be medically "approved". Living in the U.S. and I presume most (overly) "developed countries", this can be an issue that affects ones life and freedoms, thanks in large part to interference from government agencies that in some cases go to extremes to expand their control over the choices one makes and the options that are available. They are usually identified by a familiar acronym. What we might presume to be the most "advanced medicine" is not necessarily (nor probably in my view) in your very best interest. I work with physicians in regard to my health problems when they arise, but trust? I reserve that for myself and an inner guidance that has saved me from untold compromise to my well being by using their diagnostic expertise, but my own resourcefulness, faith and intuition. These do not have ulterior motives and hidden interests. Ultimately, you alone are responsible for your own health and well being, even if you had failed to do the best you could have before a problem arises. Do not relinquish direct involvement in how situations are being addressed.
Thanks for reading and the well thought out comment! I specialized in medical and health related sociology in college (studying medicine from a view of how it impacts socialization and society). Medicalization is my favorite area to look at. Like you said advanced medicine may not always be in your best interest but we are pushed to put our health in the hands of doctors under a system that socializes us to be dependent on them. Far too often big business has it's hands in treatments which is in the interests of capitalists rather than patients being treated in a way best for them. When pregnant with my daughter I remember having very little power at times. Doctors treated me as ignorant and judgmentally for refusing standardized medicines or practices they did. To have power as a patient, in some cases it can be hard when doctors pressure you into thinking they are always right.
Not only does medicalization impact modern pregnancy, it seems like the use of prescription drugs for infants and children is normal now because adults also use prescription drugs a lot more than they really should be. I see the impact of the industry from the perspective of a former scientist watching med students working jobs in companies doing clinical trials to pay for their medical degree, and this can be a very vicious circle that shapes how doctors view their relationship with pharmaceutical companies (not to mention their patients). I hope there can be more studies and research in this area to help come up with some solutions. Your article is very enlightening of the situation from a different perspective!