Women's engagement with mobile device applications in pregnancy and childbirth

Abstract

Childbearing women are increasingly engaging with social media and technology. The use of apps for pregnancy and childbirth advice is a new approach to maternity provision, and has potential to impact upon midwifery. Apps are ideally placed to provide opportunities for women to access information; however, there are concerns about the quality of mobile app data in relation to evidence based midwifery. This discussion paper presents a general overview of the use of apps as an information resource, and provides a platform for debate about their position in midwifery care.