practicing informed consent
When it comes to pregnancy, birth, and healthcare in general, one thing is really clear: you deserve to be in charge of your body and your decisions.
That’s where informed consent comes in.
What Is Informed Consent?
Informed consent is both a legal right and an ethical standard. It basically means that before any test, procedure, or intervention happens, your healthcare provider should clearly explain:
What it is — What’s being done, and why.
The benefits — What good outcomes they’re hoping for.
The risks — Any possible downsides, side effects, or complications.
The alternatives — Other options you can consider (including doing nothing).
The option to say no — You can decline, delay, or change your mind anytime.
In short: you get all the information you need to make the choice that feels right for you. No pressure. No surprises.
Practicing Informed Consent During Pregnancy & Birth
Pregnancy and birth come with a lot of decisions—sometimes more than you expect! Practicing informed consent can help you stay in the driver’s seat, making choices that line up with your values and preferences.
Here are some practical ways to do that:
1. Ask Questions
If a provider suggests a test, procedure, or intervention, it’s completely okay to pause and ask questions first.
One tool that’s super helpful? The BRAIN acronym:
Benefits — What are the benefits?
Risks — What are the risks?
Alternatives — Are there other options?
Intuition — What is my gut feeling about this?
Nothing — What happens if we wait or do nothing?
Sometimes, just slowing down to walk through these steps can make a huge difference in how you feel about your choices.
2. Know Your Rights
You have the right to accept or refuse any intervention, at any time.
You’re allowed to ask for more information, request alternatives, take time to decide, or simply say no.
(The only exceptions are extremely rare emergency situations when you’re unable to give consent.)
And if you say yes to something and later change your mind? That’s okay too. Consent is not a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing process.
3. Make Decisions Based on Full Information
A little prep work goes a long way.
Reading up ahead of time about common procedures—like glucose tests, ultrasounds, cervical checks, inductions, epidurals, and fetal monitoring—can help you feel more ready to make decisions when they come up.
Also, keep in mind: hospital policies aren’t laws.
Policies can guide care, but ultimately, you have the final say about your body and your baby.
4. Discuss Your Preferences Early
Having conversations with your provider early on (and throughout pregnancy) can help avoid surprises later.
If you’re working with a doula, they can help you plan, prepare, and advocate for informed decision-making too.
(And remember, it’s okay to ask your provider, “What are my options?” as often as you need.)
5. Remember That Consent Is a Process
Just because you agreed to something early on doesn’t mean you’re locked in forever. Labor and birth can unfold in unexpected ways—and it’s 100% your right to stop, ask for a moment, and make an informed decision if something new comes up.
Informed Consent vs. Informed Compliance
There’s a big difference between informed consent and informed compliance.
Informed consent means you’re actively part of the decision after getting all the facts.
Informed compliance happens when a provider tells you what’s going to happen, without offering you a real choice.
Let's look at some real-life examples to make it super clear:
1. Cervical Checks
✅ Informed Consent:
"Cervical checks are optional. They can give us some information about dilation, but they don’t predict exactly when labor will start. Some people find them uncomfortable. Would you like one, or would you rather wait?"
🚫 Informed Compliance:
"Go ahead and lay back. I’m going to check your cervix now." (No discussion, no option to decline.)
2. Continuous Fetal Monitoring
✅ Informed Consent:
"We usually use continuous fetal monitoring in labor. It tracks the baby's heart rate, but it can limit your movement. An alternative is intermittent monitoring, which allows more mobility. What would you prefer?"
🚫 Informed Compliance:
"Let’s get you hooked up to the monitors now." (No mention of alternatives.)
3. Induction for Due Date
✅ Informed Consent:
"You’ve reached 40 weeks, and some providers recommend induction at this point. Research suggests that waiting until 42 weeks may be safe in low-risk pregnancies, but induction can also reduce the risk of post-term complications. Here are the risks and benefits of both options—what feels right for you?"
🚫 Informed Compliance:
"We’ll schedule your induction for next week." (No discussion of options.)
4. Breaking the Water (Amniotomy)
✅ Informed Consent:
"Your labor is progressing well. One option to help move things along is breaking your water. It might intensify contractions but also slightly raises the risk of infection if labor is long. Would you like more time to think about it, or go ahead?"
🚫 Informed Compliance:
"Let’s break your water to speed things up." (No mention of risks or choice.)
5. Pushing Position
✅ Informed Consent:
"There are a few different positions you can try for pushing—hands-and-knees, side-lying, squatting, and more. Lying on your back is common in hospitals, but it’s not your only option. Would you like to explore some different positions?"
🚫 Informed Compliance:
"Okay, feet in the stirrups—it’s time to push!" (No discussion.)
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, informed consent is about more than signing a form. It’s about being seen, heard, and respected.
It’s about making sure you have:
✅ Time to ask questions
✅ True options to choose from
✅ Support for your decisions
