A disturbing video from a hospital in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has triggered widespread anger after an elderly mother in law was seen mocking and scolding her daughter in law during labour. The clip, recorded inside the labour room and shared online by gynaecologist Dr Naaz Fatima, showed the young woman in labour pain while her family stood around her. Instead of offering comfort, her mother in law taunted her and even threatened to silence her, prompting strong reactions across social media.
The family had reportedly travelled from Varanasi to Prayagraj for the delivery. The video begins with the expectant mother lying on a hospital bed, clearly in distress. Her husband stands beside her, holding her hand. At that moment, the mother in law intervenes and orders the young woman to let go of her husband’s hand. She then begins mocking her cries, insisting she stay silent despite the intense pain.
In the clip, the elderly woman is heard saying that she could strike her face or press her throat to keep her quiet. A relative tries to intervene by warning the mother in law that this behaviour could lead to a legal case, but she continues with her taunts. She repeatedly insists that the woman must deliver normally and dismisses her cries as unnecessary.
A text overlay on the video says it was meant as a prank but had backfired. Dr Fatima added a caption stating that women in labour need love and gentle words, not verbal abuse.
Labour can be overwhelming, so calm communication helps reduce fear.
Gentle words, clear explanations and reassurance make the process easier.
Respecting dignity, privacy and comfort is essential.
Letting the woman move and breathe as she prefers supports smoother labour.
A chosen labour companion offers emotional comfort and simple support.
When companions and clinicians work together, the woman feels safer and more confident. 1
Once the video went viral, thousands of viewers expressed shock and disgust. Many questioned how a woman could mock another during one of the most vulnerable and painful moments of her life. Several users criticised the husband for standing silently instead of defending his wife.
One viewer wrote that it was painful to watch a pregnant woman being disrespected while no one around her intervened. Another pointed out that age alone does not guarantee kindness and that many harmful behaviours are often passed down as tradition.
References:
1. World Health Organization. Counselling for Maternal and Newborn Health Care: A Handbook for Building Skills. Geneva: WHO, 2013. “10 Support During Labour and Childbirth.” Accessed November 14, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304186/.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)
