A Cultural History of Pregnancy: Pregnancy, Medicine and Culture, 1750-2000

by Clare Hanson

Hanson explores the different ways in which pregnancy has been constructed and interpreted in Britain over the last 250 years. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including obstetric texts, pregnancy advice books, literary texts, popular fiction and visual images, she analyzes changing attitudes to key issues such as the relative rights of mother and foetus and the degree to which medical intervention is acceptable in pregnancy. Hanson also considers the effects of medical and social changes on the subjective experience of pregnancy.

Genres: History

220 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2004

Reviews

[Judy Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this excellent book in 2008 whilst adapting to life with a newborn and have since bought copies for friends who were drowning in the endless and growing tide of baby manuals. Clare Hanson’s book provides an antidote to all the (most often unsolicited) advice dished out to new mums. It is well researched, well written, interesting and informative. It provided me with a sense of comfort and reassurance when embarking on the journey into motherhood. I’d love a copy to re-read but sadly it seems to be out of print. £60 for a second-hand copy on Amazon!!!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been trying to remember where I picked this up - as a women’s studies major in college maybe? Finally got around to reading it, and it was fine! Some really interesting observations, a deep and diverse wealth of sources. I kind of wished it had a conclusion - I got to the end and wondered what I should be taking away from all this.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this - very dry and hard to plow through. I attempted to read this a few times and couldn't get all the way through it. Obviously meant for one of Prof Hanson's classes but I still felt like it could have been more fun to read.

[Aditi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly difficult to read as it often reads a little like an academic paper so far, but interesting all the same.