Picture this: you’re at your provider’s office waiting for your first prenatal appointment.
You’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Then comes in your provider with a lot of info, suggestions, and decisions to be made.
It can be overwhelming, right?
That’s where informed consent comes in.
Informed consent is not just a fancy term; it’s your right. It means fully understanding and agreeing to the care you’re receiving, knowing all your options, the pros and cons, and feeling confident to say yes or no. It’s about having a voice in your care.
Normally, I’m not one to ruffle feathers, I listen to the professionals and go with their guidance. But, sadly, I learned the hard way that providers don’t always have my best interest at heart. Even the providers I love. So let’s talk about how you can leverage informed consent during your pregnancy!
How do you truly know, even if you like your doctor, if they’re practicing informed consent?
Typically, you can gather some clues along the way. Here are some things to consider!
They’re a great listener
Your provider should be all ears, listening to your thoughts, concerns, and wishes. It’s about creating a two-way conversation, not a monologue.
While it’s great to put trust in your provider, if you feel major pushback on the details of how you want to labor or the decisions you want to make for your baby, it may be a good idea to find a second opinion. I know from personal experience that it IS possible to find someone who will listen and who holds the same values as you.
You don’t feel rushed in your appointments
They give you the time you need, never making you feel rushed or like you’re just another appointment in their day. This includes taking the time to explain things in a way you understand.
You’ve been given options!
A good sign of informed consent is when a provider explains all your options, not just the ones they prefer.
Important: this should include the benefits, risks, and alternatives.
When I got pregnant with my second, I was hoping so much to have a VBAC. While some providers are against trying for a VBAC, and others are tolerant, I knew that my provider was pro-VBAC and ready to help me achieve it. It’s not that we didn’t talk about the risks or alternatives, but I knew I had the full information and I had the choice to decide. This made me feel so empowered and in the end I got my VBAC!
Questions aren’t just tolerated, they’re welcomed
You’re encouraged to ask questions and you get clear & honest answers.
You should never feel silly or like a burden for asking!
Asking questions in my first pregnancy is what ultimately lead me to switching providers at 28 weeks. It was a scary move so late in my pregnancy, but worth it. My original provider was shutting down my requests for simple things like walking around during labor and to not be scheduled for an induction. My first appointment with my new provider was a breath of fresh air – not only was walking in labor encouraged, but they didn’t plan inductions until we were close to 42 weeks.
You understand the risks and benefits of what’s going on with your care
A provider who uses informed consent will explain the potential risks and benefits of procedures, treatments, or medications, making sure you understand the full picture.
You feel respected in your decisions
Even if a provider doesn’t agree, you should always feel respected once you weigh the pros and cons and make a choice.
No one is perfect of course, but reading through these should give you an idea or a gut feeling if your provider practices informed consent!
To wrap up, here’s a simple example of informed consent when it comes to something routine like an ultrasound:
Informed Consent might sound like:
“Based on where you are in your pregnancy, it’s standard to consider an ultrasound. This can help us check on your baby’s development, the position, and the placenta, among other things.
It’s a safe procedure, with no known risks to you or the baby, but it’s entirely your choice.
Some parents find it reassuring, while others prefer to minimize interventions. What do you think?
Do you have any concerns or questions about having an ultrasound?”
Without informed consent might sound like:
“It’s time for your ultrasound. We’ll schedule it for your next visit. It’s just a routine check to make sure everything’s okay.”
See the difference?
You have a right to informed consent and the right to change providers if yours doesn’t currently give you informed consent about the important decisions you’re making!
Want more info on finding the right providers? Click here for my blog post on 4 Tips for Finding Your Perfect Oklahoma City Pediatrician.
Looking for a Birth Photographer? Click here to see more of my Oklahoma City Birth Photography.
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