A 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 would like one your midwife will be able to help. You may also want to discuss some things with your partner.

Before you make a birth plan, you’ll need to 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 (vacuum) delivery. You can discuss all these issues with your midwife, making sure you are comfortable with all your options.

What birthing options are available

Other than a hospital you can also choose to give birth within the comfort of your own home or in a Midwifery Unit or Birthing Centre (These 2 options are run by midwives).

If there are no complications within your pregnancy and you are classed as low risk then these options are available to you. However, if you have any medical conditions then the safest place is to have your baby in hospital but this may be open to discussion with your midwife if you have strong preferences for another place of birth.

Discuss with your midwife all of the options that are available and they will talk you through any of your concerns and they will answer any questions so that you can make the best decision for you and your baby.

Preparing for hospital

You should get a few things ready at least two weeks before your due date. If you’re planning to give birth in hospital your midwife will probably give you a list of what you’ll need to pack. You may want to include something loose and comfortable to wear during labour that doesn’t restrict you from moving around or make you too hot, a few comfortable and supportive bras, including nursing bras if you’re planning to breastfeed, super-absorbent sanitary pads, a washbag with toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, flannel, soap and other toiletries, towels, things to help you pass the time and relax such as books, magazines or music, a sponge or water spray to cool you down, front-opening or loose-fitting nighties or tops if you’re going to breastfeed, dressing gown and slippers, pairs of pants, loose comfortable clothes to wear after you have given birth, and to go home in. Clothes (including a hat) and nappies for your baby a shawl or blanket to wrap the baby in. Don’t forget your phone charger and a way of paying for the car park.

When to go to your hospital

If this is your first pregnancy, you may not be sure about when you should go into hospital. Your maternity unit will have a helpline phone number that you can call if you think you are in labour or have any concerns.

If your waters have broken, call your hospital or unit for advice, you may have to go into be checked over. If you are having contractions but your waters have not broken, you may be told to wait. You will probably be told to come in when your contractions are: regular and strong, about five minutes apart - and lasting for at least 60 seconds.

If you don’t live near your hospital, you may need to come in before you get to this stage, second babies often arrive more quickly than the first, so you may need to contact the hospital, midwifery unit or your midwife sooner.

Don’t forget to phone the hospital or birthing centre before leaving home so that they can be ready to welcome you and prepare for your arrival.

If you have planned a home birth, follow the procedure you agreed with your midwife.

The following signs mean you may need to see your midwife or maternity unit urgently, do not wait to call, even if it is in the middle of the night. Call your midwife or maternity unit if:

• Your waters break
• You have vaginal bleeding
• Your baby is moving less than usual
• You are less than 37 weeks pregnant and you think you are in labour
• Any of your contractions last longer than 2 minutes
• You are having 6 or more contractions every 10 minutes

If you are unable to make contact with your or midwife or the maternity unit, then call 111.

Induced labour

34% of women have their labours induced. This means that your labour is to be started artificially. Labour can be induced if your baby is overdue, if there is a risk to you or your baby’s health or your waters have broken but there are no signs of labour.

Induction is usually planned in advanced and the process will be discussed with your midwife or consultant. Other options will be offered before labour is induced, such as a membrane sweep, this is where your midwife or doctor sweeps their finger around your cervix.

Induction is always carried out at either the hospital or a maternity unit. Induced labour maybe more painful than going into labour naturally, but all options of pain relief will be discussed with your midwife/consultant prior to going into hospital.

It is important to know that you have a choice about being induced and to understand all other options available. For more information about induced labour visit https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/ labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/ inducing-labour/