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Dialogues of obstetric risk in the first trimester of pregnancy: Insights from a hospital ethnography

Author

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  • Cerezuela González, Ana
  • Remorini, Carolina
  • Marre, Diana

Abstract

This study examines how obstetric risk is constructed and negotiated through interactions between healthcare professionals and pregnant women during the first trimester screening ultrasound consultation in a public maternity hospital in Spain. This pivotal consultation serves as both a key diagnostic tool for gestational complications and a significant emotional milestone for families. Through ethnography, primarily observations and informal conversations conducted between March and June 2023, the research explores how “risk” shapes decision-making in obstetrics.

Suggested Citation

  • Cerezuela González, Ana & Remorini, Carolina & Marre, Diana, 2026. "Dialogues of obstetric risk in the first trimester of pregnancy: Insights from a hospital ethnography," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 392(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:392:y:2026:i:c:s0277953626000602
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.118985
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lichtsztejn, Mariana Campos & Closas, Anna Molas & Pujol-Tarrés, Joan, 2025. "Risk and decision-making: Communication between health professionals and pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia in Catalonia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 367(C).
    2. Smith-Oka, Vania & Flores, Brenda, 2022. "Competing Narratives: Examining Obstetricians’ Decision-Making Regarding Indications for Cesarean Sections and Abdominal Incisions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    3. Kroll, Camille & Murphy, Julia & Poston, Lindsay & You, Whitney & Premkumar, Ashish, 2022. "Cultivating the ideal obstetrical patient: How physicians-in-training describe pain associated with childbirth," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    4. Davis-Floyd, Robbie E., 1994. "The technocratic body: American childbirth as cultural expression," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 38(8), pages 1125-1140, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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