Reproductive strategies of Russian women: results of the pilot survey

Abstract

The sphere of reproduction as an integral part of the health of population today is medicalized at all stages of the formation of reproductive decisions — from conception to childbirth. The choice of reproductive strategies is influenced by two polar trends: the increasing importance of innovative methods of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and medically-associated reproduction (MAR), on the one hand, and the growing popularity of traditional methods of pregnancy and childbirth management based on folk healing, yoga, oriental medicine and health improving practices, homeopathy, popular psychology and so on., on the other. Thus, two sides of procreative behavior manifest themselves: both the patterns reflecting a biomedical approach based on scientific innovations and the social behavioral models related to public perceptions of health, well-being and gender roles in the society. The article presents the results of a pilot survey of women of reproductive age (n=54) conducted in April 2022 via an electronic questionnaire. The study focused on two topics: ART (awareness and attitude to various ART programs) and pregnancy and childbirth (perception of different forms of preparation for childbirth, the preferred form of childbirth, attitude to medical interventions in the birth process). Data analysis showed that women's reproductive intentions remain medicalized and take into account the possibilities of ART. Also, the results of the survey confirm the growing demand for humanization of maternity care, which is reflected in the desire of women to carefully approach organization of their own childbirth and team of assistants, to attend courses for expectant parents, be more informed and comprehensively prepared.