The distrust in women's ability to give birth and the pathologising of this physiological process is a relatively recent historical phenomenon. While there is increased recognition of the importance of normal birth for women, babies and society as a whole, the focus of researchers has, to date, been on relatively short-term outcomes; in particular perinatal mortality. As scientists develop the skills and gain knowledge in the area of epigenetics and the microbiome, we are glimpsing the potential long-term and even inter-generational implications of high rates of medical intervention during labour and birth. More research is urgently needed, and helping consumers to understand the potential ramifications is also important. Midwives need to be aware of these emerging areas of research and be able to communicate with women about them.
