How Does Birth-Related Content in Mass Media Affect Pregnant Women?

Aim: This study was conducted to identify how content on childbirth in mass media affects pregnant women. In the study, an answer is sought to how the birth content in the mass media affects pregnant women. Method: The research data were collected through in-depth interviews using an identifying information form and a semi-structured interview guide. In this phenomenological study, conducted between May and July 2022, 15 pregnant women were interviewed. First, a preliminary interview was made with the pregnant women who came to the clinic, and they were informed about the subject. Afterward, in-depth interviews were conducted with the pregnant women who accepted the interview. A descriptive reporting method was preferred in the study. The data obtained were subjected to a thematic analysis and the main themes were revealed. The emerging themes were turned into tables and sub-themes and categories were determined. Results: The data obtained consisted of seven sub-themes, which were the birth plan, information sources on birth, being affected by the information obtained, encountering content related to birth, thoughts about birth scenes or visuals encountered, the effects of contents on attitude and behaviour and the desired content to encounter. Conclusion: As a result, it was found that the information obtained from mass media affected pregnant women from various aspects in all themes. Additionally, it was determined that the effects varied depending on the content or information that pregnant women were exposed to.