Consent In Labour: What You Need to Know

What is consent?

Consent means agreeing to a treatment or procedure. In labour, you have the right to make decisions about your body at all times. Health professionals must not treat you unless you give informed, voluntary consent.

Consent can be:

• Verbal – saying yes or no
• Written – for example, signing a form
• Non‑verbal – such as nodding or offering your arm for a blood pressure check

If you prefer quiet or minimal conversation in labour, you can discuss alternative ways of communicating consent with your midwife or doctor beforehand.

If you can’t give consent

It is very rare for someone to be unable to make their own decisions. The only time treatment may go ahead without your consent is if:

• You are unconscious in an emergency, or
• You are unable to understand the decision being asked of you in the event of diminished mental capacity.
• If possible, staff will speak to your next of kin, but their role is to help understand your wishes — not to decide for you.

If you have communication needs (Such as language or BSL interpretation), tell your team during pregnancy so a plan can be made.

When should you be asked for consent?

You must be asked before anyone

• examines you
• carries out tests
• gives any treatment

Each option should be explained clearly every time it is offered, even if you’ve agreed to it before. Where possible, discussions should happen in advance, so you have time to think.

Birth plans can help you express your preferences, but you can change your mind at any time. If your care needs to change during labour, staff must explain why and ask for your consent again.

Information you should receive

To make an informed decision, you should be given information about:

• What the treatment involves
• Benefits and risks (short and long term)
• Alternatives
• What happens if you decline.

Information should be clear, evidence based, and tailored to your needs. You should have the chance to ask questions and check your understanding.

Many people find the BRAIN tool helpful:

• Benefits
• Risks
• Alternatives
• Intuition
• Nothing (what if we wait or do nothing?)

If something feels urgent, you can ask: “Am I or my baby in immediate danger?”

Your right to request care

You can decline treatment/care you do not want. You can also discuss the option of specific care. However, you cannot demand a specific treatment if your doctor /midwife considers this to be clinically inappropriate or harmful. The doctor should discuss all available options with you Professionals should listen and explain clearly if something you request is not recommended or cannot be provided safely.

If you want to say no

• You can refuse any treatment, even if others disagree or believe it carries risk. You do not need to justify your decision.
• You can withdraw consent at any time. If staff think you may have changed your mind, they must stop and check with you.
• You are entitled to time to consider options put to you unless there is an immediate threat to you or your baby’s safety which required immediate action.

Consent during labour

Being in labour does not remove your right to consent. Planning and involving your birth partner can help ensure your wishes are understood.

Birth partners can support you and communicate your preferences, but only you can give consent for treatment.

If you have had opioid pain relief (such as pethidine), staff must take extra care to ensure you understand and agree to what is being offered.

If you think you may struggle to communicate in labour, discuss this early preferably during the antenatal period so a plan can be put in place.