Antenatal Birth Plan Basics: What You Need to Know Before Labour

Creating an antenatal birth plan is a bit like planning a big event: you know there might be surprises, but having a roadmap makes you feel more confident and prepared. While you can’t control every twist and turn of childbirth, your birth plan helps communicate your preferences, easing stress and setting the stage for a supportive experience.

In this friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of creating an antenatal birth plan, from pain relief options to preparing your birth partner. Let’s dive in!

What Is an Antenatal Birth Plan?

An antenatal birth plan is a written guide that outlines your preferences for labour, delivery, and postpartum care. Think of it as your birthing wishlist, covering everything from pain management to how you’d like to bond with your baby after delivery.

While the plan gives your healthcare team insight into your priorities, flexibility is key. As the NHS notes, labour can be unpredictable, so your plan should adapt to changing circumstances (NHS).

Why Have a Birth Plan?

1. It Reduces Stress

Having your preferences laid out on paper takes the guesswork out of decision-making during labour. You’ll feel more in control, even in the face of unexpected changes.

2. It Improves Communication

Labour is not the time to explain your favourite birthing position or pain relief preferences in detail. A birth plan ensures your midwife, obstetrician, and partner are all on the same page.

3. It Helps You Feel Empowered

Research by Tommy’s shows that preparation increases confidence during labour (Tommy’s). Writing your birth plan encourages you to explore your options and make informed choices.

What to Include in Your Birth Plan

1. Where You’ll Give Birth

Your chosen location shapes your birthing experience, so be sure to include this in your plan.

Common Options:

Hospital: Best for high-risk pregnancies or if you want immediate access to medical care.

Birthing Centre: A midwife-led, home-like environment ideal for low-risk pregnancies.

Home Birth: Comfortable and familiar, but suitable only for low-risk pregnancies with midwife support.

Discuss your choice with your midwife during antenatal checkups to ensure it aligns with your needs.

2. Pain Relief Preferences

Everyone experiences labour differently, so it’s good to know your options.

Choices to Consider:

Natural Methods: Breathing exercises, antenatal yoga, hypnobirthing, or water immersion.

Medical Options: Gas and air (Entonox), pethidine, or an epidural.

Include phrases like “I’d prefer to try natural methods first but remain open to medical pain relief if necessary” to keep your plan flexible.

3. Labour Preferences

You don’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all approach to labour. Consider including:

Mobility options, like walking or using a birthing ball.

Preferred labour positions (upright, squatting, or side-lying).

Environment preferences, such as dim lighting or calming music.

4. Delivery Preferences

The pushing stage is personal, so outline what makes you feel comfortable.

Key Questions to Address:

Do you prefer guided pushing or to follow your body’s instincts?

Are there specific positions you’d like to try?

Would you like to avoid interventions like episiotomies unless medically necessary?

5. Postpartum Plans for Your Baby

The moments after birth are magical. Your birth plan can detail how you’d like to spend them.

Common Preferences:

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Helps regulate your baby’s temperature and promotes bonding.

Delayed Cord Clamping: Allows extra blood flow from the placenta to your baby.

Feeding Preferences: Whether you plan to breastfeed, formula-feed, or a mix of both.

Flexibility: The Golden Rule

As empowering as a birth plan can be, labour is full of surprises. A flexible mindset ensures you stay calm and focused, no matter what happens.

How to Build Flexibility into Your Plan:

Use phrases like “If possible…” or “I’d prefer…” instead of rigid statements.

Include alternative options for pain relief or delivery methods.

Focus on your overall priorities (e.g., minimal interventions, calm environment) rather than micromanaging every detail.

Preparing Your Birth Partner

Your birth partner plays a huge role in supporting you and advocating for your preferences. Preparing them ahead of time helps them feel confident and capable.

Tips for Birth Partners:

Know the Plan: Review the birth plan together and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Practise Advocacy: Teach them to ask respectful questions, like “Can we try a different option first?”

Stay Positive: Focus on collaboration with the healthcare team rather than confrontation.

Avoiding Common Birth Plan Mistakes

1. Being Too Rigid

Childbirth is unpredictable, so a flexible plan helps you stay calm and adapt to changes.

2. Overloading with Details

Keep your plan concise and focus on what matters most to you.

3. Skipping the Discussion

Your birth plan is only helpful if your healthcare team understands it. Review it during antenatal appointments to ensure everyone is aligned.

Planning for the Unexpected

Even with the best-laid plans, unexpected situations may arise. Including backup options in your birth plan ensures you’re prepared.

Examples:

Preferences for an emergency C-section, such as immediate skin-to-skin contact.

Alternative pain relief methods if labour becomes prolonged.

Preferences for assisted delivery, like vacuum or forceps use, if needed.

UK Resources for Crafting a Birth Plan

NHS Pregnancy Services: Reliable guidance for creating birth plans. Visit NHS Pregnancy Care

National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Offers antenatal classes and personalised advice. Visit NCT

Tommy’s PregnancyHub: Evidence-based tools for expectant parents. Visit Tommy’s

Final Thoughts

Creating an antenatal birth plan isn’t about controlling every moment of labour—it’s about understanding your options, communicating your priorities, and preparing to embrace the unpredictability of childbirth.

By outlining your preferences for labour, delivery, and postpartum care, you’ll feel more confident and ready to face the big day. Remember, flexibility is your best friend, and your ultimate goal is a safe and positive experience for both you and your baby.

So grab a cup of tea, brainstorm with your partner, and start crafting your perfect birth plan. You’ve got this, mum-to-be!

Source List

NHS Pregnancy Care

Tommy’s PregnancyHub

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)