Consent during labour and pregnancy

WELCOME sjc_1979 and congrats on the newborn coming out soon!!

I have had 2 children and I’m due my third in 6 weeks. I wasn’t aware you could say no but I’m not sure why you would want to. My expectations going into a birth suite is to sing out if I want pain relief and other than that trust the midwives to do what needs to be done to safely deliver my baby. I just take it as it comes. I’ve never had a c-section and hopefully this one doesn’t end in one but what will be will be and the main goal for me is to get the baby out whatever it takes.

I wasn’t aware that we could have any choice

Medical consent is a whole different ball game.
As someone in the medical field, consent does not need to be gained if it is in a life saving need.
If you and your baby were in critical condition and or either of you were in the trouble, the Dr can and will do what they can for a life saving procedure. They do not need your consent.
I’m not saying it’s right or wrong and I agree with you and what your saying.
Its just the laws surrounding medicine and health are different.
You need to clarify consent, medical consent can legally be gained informally, verbally, written and implied etc etc.

Oh I totally agree, if anyone is at danger then of course the option would be everything that needs to be done gets done.
I am just shocked as to how this mother can be clearly stating she doesn’t want the procedure and the Dr still does it, I wonder what the outcome for bubs would have been if the procedure didn’t go ahead.
I think the other thing that stands out is the midwife not being there for the mum, isn’t that what midwives do?

I do wonder if she is successful in pursuing her case what other people will come forward? Is it going to open up a whole deal of issues?
Consent needs to be gained from the mum and I completely stand by that but where will the line be drawn if she is successful.

I understand what you are saying ray_jay, if someone presents to the hospital they are there for a reason, so to be ‘fixed’ you may need to have something done, and they want to be there to feel better, but in this situation she was clearly stating she didn’t want it done, and she was in labour not sick so it’s different isn’t it?

Did you watch the video? What do you think (if you are in this area of the medical profession), do you think the procedure was needed and the baby was at risk? I have very little knowledge of being at that end of labour so you may see something different if you know what you are looking for, but still she didn’t give consent, so if something wasn’t happening with baby is there another way that’s less offensive and invasive?

Just wanted to add that implied consent is a huge thing in the medical world which makes things difficult especially in these circumstances.

For example if you go to an emergency department and register to see a Dr, see the triage nurse blah blah, you are in fact giving implied consent, that you consent to treatments etc.
This does not mean you consent to further major procedures but it means you consent to treatment by the above actions. Your actions give implied consent.

Medical consent is a whole different ball game.
As someone in the medical field, consent does not need to be gained if it is in a life saving need.
If you and your baby were in critical condition and or either of you were in the trouble, the Dr can and will do what they can for a life saving procedure. They do not need your consent.
I’m not saying it’s right or wrong and I agree with you and what your saying.
Its just the laws surrounding medicine and health are different.
You need to clarify consent, medical consent can legally be gained informally, verbally, written and implied etc etc.

This is another topic in itself, but are the staff too quick to “decide” on C-section.
Obviously in your situation PrettyPrincess the baby came when he was ready. In researching the original topic it seems that if babies are left they will come when they are ready.

This is not the case in all situations of course but majority seem to be this way. Not progressing fast enough, best have a c-section. Ok if there is a risk to mother/baby then fair enough but just because “it’s taking too long” surely is not enough of a reason.

Lucrecia I totally agree, my thoughts on a C-section are exactly that, (and everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course) purely my thoughts are if there is a risk to anyone then for sure but at 28 weeks not everyone JUST thinks about it.

I do feel that midwives are generally there to support the mothers decisions so hiding the scissors Jlgaddes is very kind of you 🙂

I just find it so disheartening that this goes on.
Really is it sexual abuse to some extent? I mean if consent is not gained then the wrong thing is being done. I know that is a really strong way to look at it but if it was any other profession that’s exactly what it would be.

@Sparkles023 you are not wrong at all with your thoughts, it is “abuse” and this is why women need to be fully informed that no one can do anything to you without your consent……….this includes dr, physio, dentist even your beauty therapist. If you feel it is not right, then it probably is not…..say no ladies

When i had my first child, there are so many things coming in my mind.. And doctor had told me that i had to suffer through some serious complications, If I had my surgery .. Lots of people suggesting me do this, do that, but nobody was there to listen my views, my wishes, my decisions about my child, my body, At that time i was aware of what i want and saying no to those things(decisions) which has really bad and non recoverable, unbearable side effects on my body and my child in the long term.. But thank god, At the end of the day, my husband came ( he was out of town for some work) , I was surprised but happy , because i know he is the one who listen to me always.
And he listened to me, and I felt supported, He makes the doctor agreed to have a normal delivery of my child.. My husband has a really good ability to convince anybody, I must say that.. I think Pregnant women are entitled to make autonomous decisions in the same way as any other person, and their decisions must be respected, regardless of whether health professionals agree with them. As according to the principle of autonomy, Every person has the right to make decisions about their body for themselves.

When I had my daughter I was aware that I could say no if there was something I didn’t want. I outlined Id prefer no c-section or episiotomy unless absolutely required. I had also requested an active labour but unfortunately was limited as my baby was distressed meaning I was hooked up to monitors the whole time. At the end of the day I wanted what ever was going to lead to a healthy child and a healthy mumma! I felt supported and listened to (except when I asked for pethadine and they kept putting off giving it to me). I think its important to be informed but keep an open mind and never say never!

I didn’t even know what an episiotomy is so I went to read up about it and came across the particular article mentioned here. I just have to say, I’m glad they got the guy on camera be super rude to her because otherwise they would have made up some excuse like she was in danger, etc. Its never ok to put someone through such a horrifying thing without their consent. Just wish lawyers would have the balls to take on her case.