Last week I saw a lady who was pregnant at 37 weeks. She had hypertension and her blood pressure was not controlled with medications. Therefore, the next best plan was to get her admitted so she could be induced and the baby taken care of. She was reluctant to the plan. She preferred to wait until the planned admission date, another week away. After much persuasion, she agreed but only on her own terms. Instead of taking her in an ambulance, she chose to go to the hospital using her own transport.

She signed an ‘at own risk’ letter and promised that she would go the same day after settling some logistic concerns. 2 hours later, my nurse sent me her WhatsApp message. She checked her own BP at home and said that it was normal. Indeed it was but I made it clear to her that it will skyrocket again once the medicinal effects wear off. She asked if it was necessary to go. Obviously, I said, YES, she still has to go.

Thankfully, despite being reluctant. She listened.

She went to the delivery suite later in the evening. They did her CTG and the graph noted an abnormal pattern. She was thus arranged for an emergency caesarean section. Her baby was not vigorous on delivery and needed admission to the neonatal care unit. The baby has yet to be discharged.

I met the young mother again today. She was more obedient to my management plans. I could tell that she felt relieved that she still went to the hospital against her own wishes. I hope the baby’s outcome will be well.

It is good to practice free will and freedom of choice. However, expert opinions should be considered in formulating a decision. Doktor kerajaan ni tak dapat duit pun kalau dia propose apa-apa treatment – yang takut sangat tu kenapa.