By Lovetti Lafua
Nurse • Midwife • Biologist • Human Optimization Researcher

Pregnancy is not just a biological process it is a physical, emotional, psychological, and social journey. In midwifery care, one of the most powerful tools we hold is not technology, medication, or intervention. It is information.

How we inform pregnant women what we say, how we say it, and whether we create space for dialogue can shape outcomes, experiences, and even long-term maternal wellbeing. But what does research actually say about the power of communication in pregnancy care?

Let’s explore the evidence.

Information Is Empowerment, Not Just Explanation

When pregnant women are given clear, understandable information about their bodies, their babies, and their options, several important things happen:

• They feel more confident in decision-making.
• Anxiety and fear are reduced.
• They are more likely to recognise warning signs early.
• They engage more actively in their care.
• They report higher satisfaction with their birth experience.

Research on shared decision-making consistently shows that when women are involved as partners in their care, clinical and psychological outcomes improve. Informed women are not “difficult.” They are engaged and engagement improves safety.

What Research Tells Us About Communication

Studies in maternal health highlight several key findings:

1. Health Literacy Directly Affects Outcomes: Women with limited health literacy are at higher risk of misunderstanding medical advice and experiencing poorer outcomes. When information is simplified and repeated, comprehension improves significantly.
2. Shared Decision-Making Reduces Trauma: Women who feel included in decisions especially around interventions report lower levels of birth trauma, even when complications arise.
3. Clear Communication Builds Trust: Trust in healthcare providers is foundational. It is built not by authority, but by respect and clarity.

The psychological impact of being well-informed is profound. Women feel a greater sense of control, are more emotionally prepared for labour, and experience less fear-based stress. Conversely, when women feel uninformed or dismissed, the impact can last a lifetime. Birth trauma is not always about what happened physically; often, it is about feeling unheard.