Watch Pregnant in America

Pregnant in America is a 2008 documentary film that follows the journey of Angela and Steve Buonaugurio, a couple who decide to have a home birth after experiencing a traumatic hospital birth with their first child, Mandy. The documentary seeks to explore the state of childbirth in modern-day America, including the high rate of cesarean sections and the influence of the medical establishment on the birthing process. The film features interviews with childbirth experts, doctors, and midwives, as well as footage of the Buonaugurios' own birth experience at home.

Throughout the film, the Buonaugurios navigate the challenges of preparing for a home birth, including finding a midwife, creating a birth plan, and dealing with the skepticism of friends and family members who question the safety of home birth. They also face financial difficulties, as their insurance refuses to cover their planned home birth, and they are forced to pay out of pocket.

The film also delves into larger issues surrounding childbirth in America, including the high cost of childbirth and the use of medical interventions like induced labor and epidurals. The Buonaugurios visit different hospitals and interview doctors and nurses to explore these topics.

Pregnant in America ultimately makes the case for allowing women to have more control over their childbirth experience and for supporting midwives as a safe and viable alternative for low-risk pregnancies. The film emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the need for pregnant women to do their own research and advocate for themselves.

Overall, Pregnant in America is a thought-provoking and emotional journey that aims to shed light on the state of childbirth in modern America and encourage more women to consider alternative birthing options. It offers a raw and intimate look at one couple's journey to have a home birth and the challenges they face along the way.

Pregnant in America is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.