The theme of childbirth, often associated with joy and new beginnings, takes a dark turn in horror films set in maternity wards. These movies explore the fears and anxieties surrounding birth, blending the supernatural with the psychological to create an unsettling atmosphere. This curated list of 10 horror films delves into the eerie settings of hospitals and maternity wards, offering a unique blend of terror and suspense that will captivate fans of the genre.

The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: Although not set in a maternity ward, the film includes scenes in hospitals and explores themes of life and death, fitting the medical horror genre.
Fact: Based on Stephen King's novel, this film was directed by David Cronenberg.


The Descent (2005)
Description: While not set in a maternity ward, the film's exploration of primal fears and the unknown ties into the psychological horror of birth and survival.
Fact: The film was praised for its strong female characters and intense claustrophobic setting.


The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
Description: Although not exclusively about a maternity ward, the film includes scenes in a hospital where paranormal activities occur, tying into the theme of medical horror.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life Snedeker family's experiences.


The Ruins (2008)
Description: Although not directly related to maternity wards, the film's theme of isolation and horror in an unfamiliar environment resonates with the fear of the unknown in medical settings.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Scott Smith, who also wrote the screenplay.


The Clinic (2010)
Description: A woman wakes up in an abandoned hospital after being abducted, discovering a sinister operation involving pregnant women.
Fact: The film was shot in Australia, adding to its unique setting and atmosphere.


The Ward (2010)
Description: A young woman finds herself in a psychiatric ward after setting a fire, only to discover that the ward harbors dark secrets and a ghostly presence.
Fact: Directed by John Carpenter, this film marks his return to the horror genre after a long hiatus.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While not set in a maternity ward, the film's morgue setting and the mystery of a woman's body with supernatural implications fit the eerie medical horror theme.
Fact: The film was well-received for its suspense and minimalistic approach to horror.


The Unborn (2009)
Description: While not directly about a maternity ward, the film deals with the supernatural consequences of a twin absorbed in the womb, tying into birth-related horror.
Fact: The film uses Jewish folklore as a basis for its supernatural elements.


The Exorcist III (1990)
Description: Contains scenes in a hospital where a series of murders occur, linking to the theme of medical horror and supernatural occurrences.
Fact: George C. Scott stars in this sequel, which was written and directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the original "Exorcist" novel.


Dark Floors (2008)
Description: A father and his autistic daughter are trapped in a hospital that turns into a nightmarish maze after a power outage, with elements of medical horror.
Fact: The film features music by the Finnish metal band Lordi, who also star in the movie.
