Empirical VS. Anecdotal Birth Evidence: What You NEED to Know about "Doing Your Own Research"
Almost every time I scroll through social media, I see someone advocating for expecting/pregnant people, or moms/parents to “do your own research.” Unfortunately, what is meant by “doing your own research” colloquially is… not great in practice. And part of that is because we are talking about two different types of evidence.
To explain, let me tell you a quick story.
A friend of mine, let’s call her Sarah, was 12 weeks into her pregnancy when she started having doubts about a test her provider recommended. She wanted to understand her options and ensure she made the best decision for herself and her baby. So, she took to social media and asked a pregnancy group if anyone else had experience with this test.
In less than 24 hours, Sarah’s post had over 100 comments. Some parents shared that they’d skipped the test and everything turned out fine. Others said it gave them crucial information they needed to make decisions. Then there were a few who claimed the test wasn’t reliable at all and “you can’t trust the system.”
Sarah was overwhelmed. Each comment contradicted the one before it. She still didn’t know if the test was the right choice for her. But here’s the thing: Sarah wasn’t really doing research. She was collecting anecdotal evidence.
What is Anecdotal Evidence?
The first type of evidence probably feels pretty familiar. It’s your own experiences, stories told to you by friends and family, and the opinions of those on social media. Formally, we call it “anecdotal evidence”—a type of evidence that is based on personal experiences, observations, or stories, rather than systematic research of data.
We use anecdotal evidence every day. It helps us form opinions—for example, when shopping for a new book, you might ask friends or family for recommendations (or read reviews on Goodreads). The opinions, ideas, and insights they give back to you are anecdotal evidence—they are their personal experiences, observations, or stories.
Anecdotal evidence is powerful because it’s relatable and emotional. When you’re in a vulnerable season like pregnancy, hearing another parent’s story can feel comforting—like a lifeline in a sea of unknowns.
But anecdotal evidence has limitations. For one, it’s biased. People tend to share extreme experiences—the best or worst outcomes—and often leave out important context. It also isn’t generalizable. Just because something worked (or didn’t work) for one person doesn’t mean it will apply to you or your pregnancy.
What is Empirical Evidence?
On the flip side is empirical evidence—information gathered through systematic observation, documentation, or experiments. This is the kind of evidence you’ll find in peer-reviewed research studies. It’s designed to answer questions like, “Does this test reliably identify health conditions?” or “What are the potential risks and benefits of this procedure?”
A major difference between anecdotal and empirical evidence is that empirical evidence is useful in expanding that information to help us make decisions for many people.
Here’s an example I’ve used before because it’s a good one: imagine you’re deciding how to dress for the day. You have two choices: looking out the window or checking the weather forecast.
Looking out your window (or an influencer’s window on social media) is like anecdotal evidence. It tells you what one small slice of the world looks like at that moment. Checking the weather forecast, on the other hand, is like empirical evidence. It gives you a broader understanding of trends and probabilities—cloud cover, precipitation, temperatures—over a larger area. It’s not perfect, but it’s a much more reliable way to prepare for your day.
To put this in terms of pregnancy and birth: when your best friend tells you about their birth story, it’s a little like looking out one person’s window. Empirical evidence on birthing experiences is like looking at the weather forecast. It won’t tell you 100% what your birth will look like, but it can give you an idea of the possibilities within a degree of statistical certainty.
The Problem With “Doing Your Own Research”
When most people say they’re “doing their own research,” they’re scrolling through forums, watching YouTube videos, or reading blog posts. While these sources might feel approachable, they often rely on anecdotal evidence and rarely have a strong foundation in empirical research. This can lead to a misleading sense of confidence, especially if the information presented is incomplete or taken out of context. Worse, it’s all too easy to stumble across outright misinformation that adds confusion rather than clarity.
True research is about more than collecting opinions—it requires critical thinking and the ability to evaluate the quality of your sources. Are you looking at a peer-reviewed journal article or a social media post? Are the claims supported by reliable data, or are they based purely on personal experience or bias? Asking these questions helps you differentiate between credible information and noise, which is essential for making informed decisions.
The real challenge is that empirical evidence often feels less accessible or relatable than anecdotal stories. Peer-reviewed research isn’t written for casual readers, and medical jargon can be overwhelming. But understanding the evidence doesn’t mean you need a PhD—it means learning how to ask the right questions and find reliable sources. By doing so, you can bridge the gap between anecdotal and empirical evidence to make decisions that truly work for you.
How to Balance Both Types of Evidence
Here’s the truth: Anecdotal and empirical evidence both have a place in your decision-making process. Personal stories can help you feel less alone and give you a starting point for your research. But empirical evidence is what you need to evaluate risks, benefits, and probabilities.
For Sarah, the turning point came when she brought her questions to her provider. She asked about the test’s accuracy, what the results could mean, and how they might influence her care. Her provider shared studies and data, which helped Sarah feel confident in her decision—not because someone else’s story matched her situation, but because she understood the evidence and how it applied to her.
What You Need to Know
When you hear, “Do your own research,” remember:
Start with reputable sources. Look for information from peer-reviewed journals, trusted organizations, and experienced professionals.
Use anecdotes as inspiration, not evidence. They’re a springboard, not the final word.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s your provider, a doula, or another expert, seek out someone who can help you interpret the evidence.
Understanding the difference between anecdotal and empirical evidence isn’t just about being informed—it’s about feeling empowered to make the decisions that are right for you. And isn’t that what “doing your own research” should really be about?
TL;DR— the difference between anecdotal and empirical evidence
Anecdotal evidence (personal stories) is relatable but limited, while empirical evidence (systematic research) provides reliable insights for broader decision-making. Both have their place, but understanding how to evaluate and balance them is key to making confident, informed choices during pregnancy and birth. Start with reputable sources, use anecdotes as inspiration, and ask experts for help when needed.