 Many commentators have pointed out that we live in a ‘risk society’ (Beck 1992). The language of risk pervades our public discourse surrounding pregnancy and birth, both currently and historically (e.g. Hallgrimsdottir and Benner 2014). Where cost-benefit analyses serve as paradigms of rationality and hallmarks of efficiency, social problems are framed as exercises in risk management. While most pregnancies in developed countries yield healthy mothers and babies, pregnancy unavoidably involves risk for women and fetuses alike. Women generally care deeply about the well-being of their future children, and hence are typically concerned with managing reproductive risk. More broadly, as a social body, we have a strong collective interest in the health and welfare of our future community members, and hence reproductive risk is a matter of public concern.