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By the second trimester of your pregnancy, it’s time to start thinking about your birth preferences. Writing down your preferences can be a good way to feel empowered around how you want to experience labor and childbirth. It also helps your care team know what your wishes are for your labor and birth.
What is a birth plan?
A birth plan is a written list of what you’d like to happen during labor and birth. For example, you can write down who you want in the room, how you want to handle pain management, and who will cut the umbilical cord.
No two births are the same, and sometimes unexpected things happen during labor. Your care team will work with you to keep your birth experience as close to your preferences as possible, while keeping you and your baby safe.
Remember that you can change your mind at any time and for any reason. Your birth preferences are just a guide for your labor and birth experience.
How do I make a birth plan?
Your care team will likely share a worksheet for you to complete during your third trimester. You can also find templates online or think through some of the questions below and share your preferences with your care team.
Think of your birth preferences as your “general wishes” for labor when everything is going well for you and your baby.
What do I include in my birth plan?
The questions below are based on common birth plans and can help you decide what matters most to you. Your care team is here to answer any questions and talk through your options, especially if your labor needs help progressing.
Labor preferences
Environment: Who would you like in the labor and birth room? Are there any cultural or family traditions you’d like to observe? Would you like the lights in the room to be dimmed? Would you like to play music?
Activity: Would you like to be able to move around the room or use a yoga ball? If it’s possible, would you like your baby’s heartbeat checked only from time to time instead of continuously? Would you prefer your “water” (amniotic fluids) to break naturally?
Pain management: Are you hoping to use techniques like active movement and position changes, hydrotherapy (soaking in a pool of warm water), massage, or visualization? What types of medications would you like to be offered? Would you prefer an epidural, and if so, when would you want it, right away or when you are in active labor?
Pushing and birth preferences
For vaginal births, do you want to try a specific birthing position? Would you like to view your baby’s birth with a mirror or touch your baby’s head as they start to come out? Who would you like to cut the umbilical cord?
Cesarean section (C-section) preferences
If you’ve had a C-section before, are you hoping to have a vaginal birth this time? Are you planning a scheduled cesarean birth due to known pregnancy risks?
After birth preferences
How do you plan to feed your baby? Would you want your baby to be circumcised? Do you have any preferences about keeping your placenta?
Talk to your care team if you have concerns about recommended newborn tests and treatments. This can feel overwhelming, and your care team is here to answer your questions.
Be sure to list anything else you can think of so that your care team knows your preferences. You can also let them know if you have any concerns or fears. That way they can help you be as relaxed, supported, and prepared as possible before you give birth.
Once you’ve completed your birth preferences, share them with your care team and let them know of any questions you have. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra copy of your birth plan to the hospital.
Is it OK to not have a birth plan?
Yes, a birth plan is optional. You can write down your preferences or talk them through with your care team. Either approach is fine.
Your care team will do everything possible to honor your preferences, but births can be unpredictable. Their top priority is keeping you and your baby safe.