Risk messages relating to fertility and pregnancy: a media content analysis

Background:The UK print and online media is an important channel by which scientific research communicated to the public. Media risk messages relating pregnancy or fertility contribute context of reproductive decision making, but their fidelity underlying science has been questioned.Method:We measured volume, distribution content science-based headlines in over four months. We grouped into unique stories categorised them exposure outcome interest. selected for closer analysis assessed science, with attention role press releases.Results:We identified 171 months (average 43 per month), comprising 56 stories. The most commonly concerned maternal factors (n=46) child health outcomes (n=46). Maternal were less frequently focus (n=20). common coverage food drink (n=15), medication medical interventions (n=9), (n=6). reports largely faithful releases. Where substantive deviations from study identified, these could mostly be traced back releases quotes study’s authors. Press often omitted caveats reinstated at reporting stage, alongside additional expert criticism.Conclusions:Frequent frame mothers as vectors potential harm children, who are outcomes. Largely, does not introduce misinformation, faithfully commentary. fulfil interpretative role, omitting introducing new elements advice women. Their a bridge between lay audiences discussed.