Birth plan builder
A birth plan is a short note that tells your care team what matters to you in labour and after the birth. Tick your choices below and your plan builds itself on the right. Print it or save it as a PDF, and take copies to the hospital.
Tips for a birth plan that works
- Keep it to one page. Staff read short plans; long ones get skimmed.
- Talk it through with your doctor or midwife at around 32 to 36 weeks, so you know what your hospital offers.
- Stay flexible. Labour doesn't always go to plan. Say what matters most, and trust your team to explain any changes.
- Bring 3 copies in your hospital bag: one for you, one for your partner, one for the staff.
Birth plan questions
What should I include in a birth plan?
Who you want with you, your surroundings, pain relief preferences, positions for birth, what happens to the cord and placenta, your wishes if you need a caesarean, feeding, skin-to-skin, vitamin K for your baby, and any faith or cultural wishes.
When should I write my birth plan?
Most women write it at around 32 to 36 weeks, after talking to their doctor or midwife about what their hospital offers. Bring printed copies to the hospital in your bag.
Do hospitals in the Gulf and Pakistan accept birth plans?
Most hospitals are happy to read a short, clear birth plan, especially private hospitals. Talk it through with your doctor before your due date, because what's offered, such as epidurals or birthing pools, varies.
Is a birth plan a promise?
No. It tells your team what matters to you, but plans may change for your and your baby's safety. A good team will explain why and involve you in decisions.
Sources and references (2)
We check our health pages against these and other national guidelines. Where countries differ, we say so.