As you know we have recently been finding out more about life on the Home Front during the Second World War. Today I want to look at pregnancy and childbirth during wartime. A topic very rarely discussed.
When war began in 1939, many women were already expecting children while countless others soon discovered that they were pregnant just as their husbands were leaving for service. Pregnancy during wartime was full of joy and hope, just like today, but there must have also been fear.
Some women had to face the prospect of giving birth while they were separated from their husbands. They also did not know when or even if they would see them again.
During the early years of the war, life was changing fast. Air raids, blackouts, rationing and evacuations were an all too present part of life. Expectant mothers still needed care, but hospitals and doctors were obviously under enormous pressure. Antenatal clinics became increasingly important. Clinics must have provided reassurance especially during these anxious times.
The threat of bombing would have added an additional layer of worry. In cities that were affected badly by air raids, heavily pregnant women would have had to often rush to shelters in the middle of the night, carrying blankets and belongings all while trying to protect themselves and their unborn child. Some babies were even born during raids or shortly afterwards, with the mothers and the midwives working under extraordinary conditions. The explosions must have been terrifying.
Pregnant women from heavily bombed areas were sometimes encouraged to move to safer parts of the countryside. The distance from home must have made the experience of pregnancy even more isolating. They would have found themselves among strangers, away from everything familiar to them and often away from their families support.
Rationing was a challenge to everyone but for pregnant women trying to grow a healthy baby it must have been worrying. Although the government did recognise the importance of health for expecting women and did offer extra food allowances for them and young children, shortages would still have affected meals. Many mothers worked hard to ensure that their babies would be healthy in spite of the restrictions.
For some women, wartime pregnancy brought not only anxiety but also judgement. Relationships with servicemen, including American GIs and other Allied troops stationed in Britain, sometimes led to pregnancies that were unexpected or unwanted. Wartime romances developed quickly at a time when fear and the loss of life seemed constant. The realities afterwards though, could be complicated. If a young man was posted abroad, killed, or returned home before a marriage could take place, the woman might be left to face a pregnancy alone. At a time when pregnancy out of wedlock carried strong stigma, single mothers could experience shame, be the subject of gossip or pressure from family and society. A few couples that had hoped to marry were separated by military duty, distance, or even official delays. Despite all of this many women showed remarkable resilience, they raised their children with determination while being forced to navigate a society that was not always understanding or supportive.
Childbirth itself was also far more dangerous than many people realise today. Pain relief and medical care was improving, but birth still carried real risks and pain. Midwives played an essential role.
Wartime births usually took place in the home, particularly during the earlier years of the war, although increasing numbers of mothers were encouraged or evacuated to maternity hospitals or nursing homes if facilities were available. When labour started, a midwife was usually called. A family member, neighbour, or friend would usually fetch them.
Fathers were very rarely present at the birth, childbirth was still very much considered a female space and obviously many husbands were away serving. Instead, women were usually supported by midwives, district nurses, female relatives, neighbours, or close friends. Some births were calm, but others were overshadowed by air raids.
If a woman was in labour and an air raid happened, moving her was not always possible or safe so many remained where they were.
If labour began while a woman was already in an air raid shelter, the midwife or doctor would be sent for if possible, and she would often remain there rather than risk travelling during the raid. Some larger public shelters and Underground stations had first-aid posts or medical staff, and babies were occasionally born in these cramped and noisy conditions. Privacy was very limited, but often help was offered by other people sheltering, they offered blankets and reassurance.
Midwives and medical staff continued their work despite the danger.
Do you think childbirth during wartime may have strengthened people’s determination to endure?
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