What Difference Does Clothing Make in Labour?

Abstract

Clothing in labour is a subject missing from standard student textbooks, guidelines and research. Despite a requirement for midwives to be person-centred and to advocate for care that optimises physiological labour, this appears to be a factor not yet considered. An awareness of the effect wearing a hospital gown has on the birthing person’s wellbeing will allow midwives to support the person’s autonomy and empower choice and control. This article reviews existing research on the effect of hospital gowns in other care environments and the physiology underlying this and highlights the need for research in this area.