We’re Having a Baby

Could BBC3 be in cahoots with the government to covertly reduce the number of teenage pregnancies in the UK? Certainly, any girl who isn’t already in the same position as the young women and couples in this film about pregnancy and childbirth is likely to be sent scuttling off to the GP for watertight birth control as the opening few minutes detail the pain, boredom and occasional moments of terror of childbirth.

But things improve as the 90 minutes progress and the various young women, through video diairies, share their hopes, anxieties and feelings about every aspect of pregnancy, from unwelcome body changes to absent or uncommitted partners and society’s opprobrium of their youthful status. The Beeb’s made a real effort to include every imaginable type of young mum-to-be here, from single teens to twentysomething couples who’ve been in committed relationships and heading loving families since their teens.

It pays off. Incredible maturity is matched by incredible naievity to present a nicely balanced and nuanced film that doesn’t shy away from the issues, all set against a rather funky soundtrack. Beats an educational pamphlet any day.