I do consider pregnancy and birth is to a huge extent a "leave your dignity at the door" experience. I don't enjoy getting my knickers off for anybody other than my DH, but I don't really see how that can be avoided, whatever extent of consent you give. I feel the same way about pap smears. The fact is though that at some point somebody needs to get in there so to speak and some conception journeys require a whole lot more "getting in there" than others.

I do, however, think that nothing should be done without my consent. The only exception I would consider would be if I was not able to make decision as a result of my level of consciousness. In all honesty, I would rather the decision be made by my professional, skilled OB who I have trusted with my care than with my DH. As much as I love him, if he was faced with the situation where my life or that of our baby was perhaps in danger he would I think lose the ability to make an informed decision anyway and would faff around until he ended up going with the HCP's recommendation anyway.

For me it comes back to the level of trust you have in your choice of HCP, and I had faith in my OB that he would do everything in his power to honour my wishes unless my health or my baby's health required otherwise.