Risk perception in women with high-risk pregnancies

Risk perception in women with high risk pregnancies affects the decisions they make about antenatal care and so may therefore influence the wellbeing of mother and baby. This article addresses the factors which influence women when making risk assessments and how these assessments may differ from those of healthcare professionals. Women use multiple sources of information to determine their risk status including advice from professionals, from other trusted sources, and their own intuitive knowledge. They recognise the risks posed by their pregnancies and will take steps to ensure the health of themselves and their babies. However these may not include following all medical recommendations. How they perceive risks and the care they will accept are weighed up in the context of their individual circumstances. Midwives need to be aware of these factors to ensure the care they give is individually appropriate, respectful and realistic