Something that I think is glaringly absent from hospital antenatal classes is an explanation of informed consent.

It would be great if women and their partners could have this explained to them. To be told that decisions are always theirs to make and that they can't be forced to do things they don't want to, or accept treatments that they don't understand. That they can ask questions, and have a right to reasonable answers. That they should never be subjected to procedures, tests, pain relief or examinations without someone asking for - and receiving - their express consent.

They should also be walked through what will happen if they do say no to something - because many couples agree to things they aren't happy with because they just don't know what will happen if they say no. They don't want to risk that. The hospitals should explain to them what their policy is when treatment is declined.

Ok I'll stop there