BIRTH PLAN
Having a birth plan is crucial for ensuring that your birthing experience aligns with your preferences and values. Without a plan, the process may not unfold as you envision. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you create a birth plan that suits your needs.
Why Have a Birth Plan?
Without a clear plan, your birthing experience may deviate from your desires.
A birth plan empowers you to make informed decisions about your labor and delivery.
Preparing for Birth
Take a Prenatal Class
Prenatal classes provide essential knowledge about pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Choose Your Labor Support Person/People
Family member
Trusted other
Doula (Hired/Volunteer)
- A trained support person known to improve safety and speed of labor.
Induction or Natural Onset of Labor
Schedule Induction
Provides predictability.
Typically scheduled at 39/0 weeks gestation. For first-time moms, not until 41/0 weeks gestation.
Medical Induction
Determined by the doctor for medical reasons.
Occurs when the baby’s safety is better ensured outside the womb.
Can happen at any gestational age.
Pain Management Options
Epidural vs. Natural (Medication-Free)
Provides continuous pain control through an IV-like catheter.
Includes urinary catheter and IV line.
Other Pain Control Methods
IV Medications
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Spinal (Injection into spinal space)
Informed Consent for Interventions
Understanding and giving explicit consent for interventions is crucial for your safety and the baby’s.
Medical staff must present and explain interventions before proceeding.
Possible Interventions
- IV Baby heart rate monitor (external)
- Contraction monitor (external)
- Fetal Scalp Electrode (Internal)
- Intra Uterine Pressure Catheter (Internal)
- Pitocin (Oxytocin)
Delivery Methods
Assisted Delivery
Vacuum Extraction
Forceps Delivery
C-Section
Abdominal surgery for birthing.
Indicated for various medical reasons.
Other Birth Plan Considerations
Version for Breech Presentation
Reasons for Surgical Delivery
Breech
Macrosomia (baby too big)
Placenta previa (placenta covers cervix)
Maternal/baby health conditions
Personal Choice for C-Section
Perineal Integrity Concerns
History of Abuse
Labor Progress and Signs
How Do I know I'm in Labor
Signs and Symptoms of Labor
Cervical Change
Loss of Mucus Plug
Bloody Show
Contractions in Regular Intervals (3-5 minutes apart)
Increasing Strength and Frequency of Contractions
Unaffected by Activity Level or Hydration
Duraction of Labor
Varied depending on if it’s your first birth or not.
For 1st Time Birthing People:
Normal Time Frame
For Second or More Births:
Different Time Frame
Other Questions or Issues
Consult with our Registered Nurse
Hospital Visit
Bring Insurance Card and ID
You’ll be triaged to determine if you’re in labor.
Definition of “Being in Labor” includes a vaginal exam to assess cervical dilation.