Low risk or high risk? The label that quietly decides your birth.
One word in your notes can change your whole birth. Most women are never told.
A free lunchtime hour with Emma, a midwife of 18 years.
This is for you if
- You are pregnant, especially if you are 14 to 28 weeks
- You want to understand what is happening, not just hear "it's fine"
- You have been told you are "high risk", or you are not sure what you are
It's not for you if
- You are happy to go with the flow. That's fine, truly.
Why this matters to you
In pregnancy, you are put on a path. Low risk or high risk.
Often, nobody tells you which one, or why.
But this label can change where you give birth, who looks after you, and what you are offered.
And it can change. One blood pressure check or one scan can move you to a different path.
It's not that your midwife doesn't care. The system gives her very little time.
Nobody is going to sit you down and explain it. So I will.
Some things that can change your label
Your age
Being over a certain age can change what you are offered.
Your weight
Your BMI at your first appointment.
Your health
Things like blood pressure or diabetes in pregnancy.
Your history
A C-section before, or a pregnancy after IVF.
Your baby
Measuring bigger or smaller than expected.
In this one hour, you will:
Find out which path you are on, and why
See what your label can change: where you give birth, who looks after you, how you are monitored, and when you are offered an induction
Know what is a rule and what is your choice
Learn the questions to ask at your next appointment
Know what to do if your label changes later
Ask me your own questions, live
You will leave knowing which path you are on and what it means for your birth. So nothing important is decided without you.
Feedback from our last live session
Val, first time mum
Save your seat
Tuesday 3 November, 12:30pm to 1:30pm (UK time), live on Zoom. Your Zoom link comes by email straight away.
Hi, I'm Emma
I have been a midwife for 18 years, in the UK, Italy and the UAE. I have a Master's in Midwifery. I worked in NHS quality, checking how well maternity care works, and I contributed to the Ockenden maternity review.
On Tuesday I will tell you what I would want to know in your place. Honestly, and in simple words.
Tuesday 3 November, 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Free and live on Zoom. It's at lunchtime, so bring your lunch. There is no recording, so please join live.
Save my seatThis session is information, not medical advice. It works alongside your NHS care, never instead of it. If you are worried about you or your baby, call your maternity unit.
