Making Confident Pregnancy Decisions

Mar 24

Pregnancy comes with what feels like an endless list of decisions—and let’s be honest, some days just choosing what to eat is enough to send us spiraling. If you’re someone who experiences decision fatigue (hello, fellow overthinkers), the constant stream of choices around your care, your body, and your baby can feel downright overwhelming.

The Problem We All Know Too Well

You’re at a prenatal appointment. Your provider recommends a test or procedure and casually asks,
“Do you have any questions?”

Cue: brain freeze. Suddenly, every thoughtful question you meant to ask is gone. You give a quick response, only to lie awake later with 5,794 thoughts you wish you’d voiced.

This is common, and it’s why having a decision-making tool can make such a big difference—especially for the bigger calls like induction, cesarean birth, or declining interventions.

The Solution: Meet “BRAINES”

The BRAINES acronym is a simple, empowering framework that helps you pause, gather the information you need, and feel grounded in your choices—free from fear or regret. This is one of the tools we dive into during my Hypnobirthing classes, where we go beyond breathing techniques to build real, practical confidence for labor decisions.

Let’s walk through it using the common scenario of being offered an elective induction at 40 weeks:

B – Benefits
Ask: What are the benefits of this suggestion?
Your provider may say induction could reduce the risk of stillbirth (ask for exact stats) or prevent a bigger baby. Benefits can vary based on your unique situation.

R – Risks
Ask: What are the risks?
For elective induction, risks may include longer labors and an increased chance of cesarean—especially for first-time birthers (studies show the rate may be as high as 50%).

A – Alternatives
Ask: Are there any alternatives?
Options might include waiting, increased monitoring (like NSTs), or exploring natural labor “encouragement” methods.

I – Intuition
Ask yourself: What does my gut say?
Close your eyes. Breathe. What feels most aligned for you and your baby?

N – Nothing
Ask: What happens if we do nothing right now?
This helps clarify urgency. If it’s safe to wait, it’s usually safe to think it over.

E – Evidence
Ask: What does the current evidence say?
It’s okay if your provider doesn’t have a research paper in their pocket—resources like Evidence Based Birth can help you understand what’s supported by science (Spoiler: elective induction at 40 weeks isn’t usually evidence-based for low-risk pregnancies).

S – Space
Ask: Can I have some time/space to think?
You are never obligated to decide on the spot. Take time to talk to your partner, call your doula, or just rest on it. A “no” is always easier to reverse than a “yes.”

Why This Works

The BRAINES framework isn’t just a catchy acronym—it’s a reminder that you are the expert on your body, your baby, and your birth. It gives structure to a moment that might otherwise feel chaotic, and helps you claim your power in the process.

So next time a big decision comes up, take a breath, tap into your BRAINES, and move forward with confidence. Having a doula by your side also means you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone—we’re there to help you slow things down, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts.

Affirmations to support your decision making confidence

I trust my intuition to guide me in making the best choices for me and my baby.
I am capable of making informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
I have the strength and knowledge to make empowered choices throughout my pregnancy and birth.
I trust the process, and I am supported in every decision I make.
I choose what feels right for me and my family.

So, what's the next decision you need to make, and how will you use your BRAINES to navigate it with confidence?