Spirituality in Pregnancy

Abstract

Spirituality with its impact on health outcomes continues to emerge in the medical literature. This article discusses the role of spirituality in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. It highlights the importance of more fully integrating this concept into births traditionally attended by physicians and midwives in the hospital setting. This discussion covers birthing practices ingrained with culture and spirituality. The article concludes with strategies to elicit and integrate spirituality into routine practice to provide improved health care to patients and to find more fulfillment in the role as birth attendant.