The emergence of high-tech birthing.

The journey from "normal" to high-tech childbirth has taken place gradually over the past century. This article gives a historic review of maternity care and defines normal birth according to care practices adapted from the World Health Organization. The issues facing today's consumers, care providers, and caregivers that have led to the high-tech approach to birth are discussed. Recommendations for nursing practice are proposed to balance a normal approach to childbirth with a high-tech clinical environment.