Informed Consent
The caregiver must inform the mother:
- What the procedure is and how it is done
- Why the procedure is being suggested
- Whether it is new or experimental
- What her recovery will be
- How the procedure or treatment will affect her, the baby and her labor
- What are the alternatives
- What are the benefits
- What are the risks
- Is this being suggested to me for a particular reason or it is universally recommended
- If the procedure can be delayed so the mother can read up on it (prenatally) or think about it further (during labor)
Every intervention throughout pregnancy and labor carries possible risks and/or side effects. Talk to your doctor or midwife about these risks before you go into labor. It pays for the parents to educate themselves and ask questions. It is your legal right to get answers and make informed decisions.
Why it is Important
Though your doctors and nurses genuinely have your best interest at heart it is your responsibility to ask these questions. You may not get an answer to a question you don't ask.