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Your birth plan
Before you start to fill in your birth plan, get informed about the topics you’ll need to consider, such as pain relief, where you would like to give birth, who you would like to have with you, and how you feel about intervention such as forceps or ventouse delivery.
Making your birth plan
A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth. You don't have to create a birth plan but if you want to, your doctor will be able to help. Discussing a birth plan with your doctor will give you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour. It also gives your doctor the chance to get to know you better and understand your feelings and priorities.
You'll probably want to think about or discuss some things more fully with the baby's father, and your friends and relatives. Remember that you can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time.
Your personal circumstances
Your birth plan is personal to you. It will depend not only on what you want, but also on your medical history, your own circumstances, and what is available at your maternity service. What may be safe and practical for one pregnant woman may not be a good idea for another.
It's a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan with you. The maternity team who care for you during labour will discuss it with you so they know what you want. But remember, you need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby. The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.
Things to consider
You can find out more about the things you need to think about when you make your birth plan:
- Pain relief
- Where you can give birth
- Forceps or ventouse (intervention or instrumental delivery)
- Your baby after the birth
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