Tracey A Mills1, Rebecca Lavender2, Tina Lavender3. 1. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Jean McFarlane Building The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Electronic address: tracey.mills@manchester.ac.uk. 2. School of Social Sciences, Arthur Lewis Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. 3. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Jean McFarlane Building The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Despite increased risks of infertility and poor outcomes, women in high-income countries are increasingly deferring pregnancy beyond age 35.The underlying causes are incompletely understood. The mass media is recognised as a powerful influence on health-related behaviour; therefore media representations warrant critical examination. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative thematic analysis of portrayals of pregnancy and birth in women over 35 in UK national newspapers, popular magazines and television programmes RESULTS: Extensive media interest in childbearing and a preponderance of coverage related to celebrities was confirmed. Three main themes were identified; delayed childbearing was portrayed positively, as part of a life plan allowing women have the "best of both worlds". The media did not acknowledge age per sé as an obstacle to pregnancy and endorsed reproductive technologies suggesting 'it's never too late'. Images and descriptions of ideal post-pregnancy bodies in women over 35 reinforced the message that "you can regain your beautiful body". CONCLUSION: Delayed childbearing was represented positively, as it facilitated conformity with dominant ideologies surrounding motherhood. Within these boundaries, the effects of age were disregarded. This study provides evidence of restrictive framing of the issues surrounding delayed childbearing in the UK media which militate against communication of important public health messages.
OBJECTIVES: Despite increased risks of infertility and poor outcomes, women in high-income countries are increasingly deferring pregnancy beyond age 35.The underlying causes are incompletely understood. The mass media is recognised as a powerful influence on health-related behaviour; therefore media representations warrant critical examination. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative thematic analysis of portrayals of pregnancy and birth in women over 35 in UK national newspapers, popular magazines and television programmes RESULTS: Extensive media interest in childbearing and a preponderance of coverage related to celebrities was confirmed. Three main themes were identified; delayed childbearing was portrayed positively, as part of a life plan allowing women have the "best of both worlds". The media did not acknowledge age per sé as an obstacle to pregnancy and endorsed reproductive technologies suggesting 'it's never too late'. Images and descriptions of ideal post-pregnancy bodies in women over 35 reinforced the message that "you can regain your beautiful body". CONCLUSION: Delayed childbearing was represented positively, as it facilitated conformity with dominant ideologies surrounding motherhood. Within these boundaries, the effects of age were disregarded. This study provides evidence of restrictive framing of the issues surrounding delayed childbearing in the UK media which militate against communication of important public health messages.
Authors: Joyce Harper; Jacky Boivin; Helen C O'Neill; Kate Brian; Jennifer Dhingra; Grace Dugdale; Genevieve Edwards; Lucy Emmerson; Bola Grace; Alison Hadley; Laura Hamzic; Jenny Heathcote; Jessica Hepburn; Lesley Hoggart; Fiona Kisby; Sue Mann; Sarah Norcross; Lesley Regan; Susan Seenan; Judith Stephenson; Harry Walker; Adam Balen Journal: Reprod Biomed Soc Online Date: 2017-04-08