understanding risk - weighing up your options

​When you are weighing up risk, you are making an informed decision.  Understanding what the risk really means can be frustrating and confusing. 

For example, you might hear:

• a 1 in X chance,
• or x% chance, or
• 'twice as likely'

...and it can be hard to know what it really means to you. Twice as likely could mean that instead of 1 in a million, you have a 1 in 500 000 chance or a 0.2% risk becomes 0.4% - still very low.
​
When looking at risk, you need to consider the pros and cons of not accepting intervention.  If you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, you feel well and prepared - you will view risk differently to someone who is considered 'high risk'.  And if you are considered high risk, you will consider how you feel, what the risk is, and what interventions are likely to be considered.  Some will decide the risk is not really significant, and so opt to do nothing (let nature take it's course), others will decide the risk is too high, and opt for some or all possible interventions.  Once a decision is made to use a particular intervention, you move down the scale.  The 'do nothing' option allows more time to consider all the options.  Sometimes the choice is clear to accept an intervention.  The key is knowing your options in advance.

It is a very personal decision.  It is important not to rely on a single source of information (be it person, or a pamphlet or a forum).  Find various sources, using a doula to help navigate the information can help.  A doula can guide you towards reputable sources of information, but will not influence your decision or advise you on your decision.  You may need to ask a lot of questions, sometimes it is hard to know what questions you need to ask.  The more information you seek, the more likely you are to find the questions you need to ask, and be able to come to a truly informed decision.

THIS IS YOUR BIRTH helps you navigate the options and make informed decisions.