HOW TO DECIDE

There will obviously be many decisions to make as your pregnancy advances. Some of these will need to be made by your doctor, who will usually discuss them with you. Most doctors will explain any decisions that need to be made - unless, of course, there is insufficient time due to an emergency. Naturally, you have every right to know the reasons for important decisions such as the need for a caesarean section or the induction of labour. Sometimes, patients feel aggrieved because they have not received a satisfactory explanation. If so, it is far better that you discuss your feelings with your doctor directly, rather than keeping them to yourself. Alternatively, you might prefer to discuss them with your midwife, who will then bring them to the attention of your doctor if necessary. Never be afraid to ask questions.

There are other decisions, however, during your labour that you can make for yourself. You will need to give thought to some of them before going into labour:

• Who do I want to be with me?
• What clothes should I wear - hospital issue, or my own? (If the latter, it is advisable that they are loose, practical and not too valuable!)
• What games shall I play to help pass away the time during the early stages? (Games which do not require too much concentration are recommended.)
• Should I take my own music? (Most hospitals can only regurgitate the dreary cacophony of sound which emanates from popular radio stations! )
• What positions am I likely to find most comfortable during labour and the delivery?
• What shall I do about pain relief?

You may have decided on the answers to such questions from the very outset. On the other hand, you might feel uncertain about what to do - especially if you are expecting your first baby. If you do feel a bit apprehensive and bewildered, then take heart- because you will not be alone!

Before deciding on your place of confinement (that is, assuming that you have a choice in the matter), you might want to inquire about different units - or have a look around first to see if they satisfy your needs.

Personal decisions in life are best made after we have considered all available (and preferably, credible) information.