More than one in 10 Australian women have experienced obstetric violence during childbirth, including not consenting to procedures and being denied pain relief, according to a recent study.

Vaginal exams and episiotomies were also perceived by some as sexual or physical assault, which the researchers say stems from a lack of informed consent.

But can informed consent be properly obtained in the labour ward, especially when the lives of the mother or infant – or both – are at risk?

Sydney obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Daniella Susic says the issue is not clear-cut and that doctors often have to make difficult decisions without delay.