Informed choice of women in the childbirth process
You have the right to make informed decisions in the process of childbirth, decisions that suit you and your personal needs and values. This is stated in Article 5 of the Patients' Rights Act (1997, no. 74), which also applies to pregnant women who use health services.
In order to be able to make informed decisions, it is important that you receive reliable and accurate information about the options available to you and that the information is neutral and based on research on the subject. It is alright if you do not understand all the information you receive, but it is important to keep in mind that asking for explanations and help shows courage. We will do our best to provide more information according to the needs of each and every woman.
Then simple questions like "What do you mean by that?" and "What is it?" can often be very helpful.
The fact that you receive good information and are thus well-informed so that you can make decisions in your care can affect your experience of the childbirth process and your well-being. We place great emphasis on this aspect of all our care to promote increased well-being and satisfaction with your experience. But you can also request professional advice from a midwife or doctor after a class, and that advice should be based on a professional assessment of the situation as well as your needs and values.
It can be helpful to get this information from your midwife in antenatal care or a doctor as soon as possible e.g. when you are offered a specific examination or treatment or certain options such as the choice of place of birth. However, when it comes to the birth itself, it can be very useful to be well-prepared and have received the main information regarding the choice available to you in childbirth since it can be difficult to get detailed information during the actual labor and childbirth. However, it is always possible to receive information if you need and prefer this way.
Here are 6 helpful questions you can use to make decisions during your childbearing process:
What are the benefits?
What are the disadvantages / risks?
If I decide ______, what other treatments / interventions might we need to use?
What else can we try first or instead?
What could happen if we wait e.g. for 1-2 hours?
What could happen if we did nothing?