Pregnancy is a beautiful time but can also feel overwhelming. It’s so new and different from anything you’ve ever experienced before. Even if it’s not your first pregnancy, each experience is different and unique, and that in itself means you may not know what to expect.
One thing that Hehe Stewart, doula and founder of Tranquility by Hehe Maternity Concierge, advocates for every pregnant person to know is that they have rights in pregnancy and labor, no matter what. Everything about your pregnancy gets to be the way you want it to be, and you are in charge. There are three main things to know about your rights when it comes to pregnancy that many pregnant people don’t know or don’t fully understand.
The first thing to know is that you have the final say on any medical procedure or decision
You have the right to know what is being done to your body. This means that you can theoretically say no to anything the doctor or nurse says they want to do to you. Stewart advises that if it doesn’t feel right to you, you have another plan, or you don’t yet fully understand it as an option and want to look into it more before giving the OK, those are all reasons to say no. It is your right to fully understand your choices and make the right one for you, no matter what your doctor suggests or recommends.
Of course, if it’s an issue of safety, you should take that into consideration, because the safety of your baby is a priority for everyone. But ultimately, as a patient, you get to say yes or no to anything that will happen to your body, and you always have the right to know exactly what is happening.
You also have the right to define your boundaries and be your own advocate
You have your own best interests and those of your baby in mind. While hopefully your doctor does, too, they also act based on their personal preferences; what else they have scheduled for the day, and the hospital’s overarching goals (read: profits) in mind. Their ultimate goal is for you to have a healthy baby, but at the end of the day they may not care that much how exactly it happens. Stick to your guns when it comes to your boundaries and what you want, and advocate for yourself no matter what.
You also have the right to change your provider
You do not need to explain yourself, you can literally change your doctor at any time for any reason. Who you choose as your provider is up to you, and if you aren’t jibing with them, it is your right to switch. It can feel like it will be hard to change providers in the middle of your pregnancy because of the paperwork or hassle of switching, or because you feel bad saying you want to switch. But if there’s one thing that’s certain, it is that your provider will not take it personally. They likely couldn’t care less.
If there is any reason you don’t feel they are giving you the care you want, or aren’t listening to your needs or opinion or answering the questions you have, it will be more beneficial to you to take the time and effort to switch.
It’s really important to know your rights as you navigate your pregnancy and birth experience
This is one of the most exciting times in your life, and you get to have the birth that you want. We hope that knowing your rights and how important it is to stick up for them will empower you to have the birth experience you deserve.
For more information and tips on pregnancy and labor, check out Tranquility by Hehe on Instagram, or The Birth Lounge online community for pregnant and new parents.
