Patient education: Preparing for childbirth (The Basics)

How can I prepare for birth? — 

During pregnancy, your doctor, nurse, or midwife will talk to you about what to expect.

Many people also take a childbirth class. This will help you learn more and prepare for labor and birth. It can also be a way to connect with other pregnant people. You can take a childbirth class at your hospital or birth center. Online classes might also be an option. Classes often happen over a period of weeks or months during pregnancy. Your doctor, nurse, or midwife can help you find a class.

What will I learn about? — 

Preparing for childbirth involves learning about:

●What happens in your body during labor and birth, including how to tell when you are in labor

●When to call your doctor, nurse, or midwife during pregnancy

●What to expect if you will give birth in a hospital or birth center

●How your partner or support person can help during labor and birth

●Options for "natural" ways to manage pain during labor and birth, like changing positions, breathing exercises, massage, or taking a shower

●Options for anesthesia or other pain medicines

●What to expect after giving birth, including physical and emotional changes, and how to care for yourself

●What will happen to your baby right after birth, including medical treatments and where they will stay

●Caring for a newborn, including breastfeeding

You will also have the chance to ask questions and talk with other people who are preparing for birth. The goal is for you to feel confident you can give birth and have the information you need to make decisions.

What is a birth plan? — 

This is a list or document that describes your goals for labor and birth. This can be a good way for you to think about what you want ahead of time. it is also a way for others, including your support person and the medical team, to know about your goals and preferences.

A birth plan usually includes your preferences for:

●Who will be with you, for example, a partner and/or a support person called a "doula"

●Moving, eating, and drinking during labor

●How to manage pain or discomfort

●Monitoring your contractions and your baby's heart rate

●Vaginal versus cesarean birth (c-section)

●Whether you want to avoid certain procedures, for either you or your baby

●Who will visit you after you give birth

●Having your baby stay with you after birth

●Starting breastfeeding

What else should I know? — 

Planning ahead can help you have a more positive birthing experience. But it's important to know sometimes, things can change. For example, you might plan for a "natural" or unmedicated birth, but then change your mind during labor. Or you might plan to have anesthesia for pain, but then decide you don't need it.

If there are any problems with your or your baby's health during labor or birth, your medical team might need to change the plan. They will talk to you about what is happening and involve you in the decision-making whenever possible.

More on this topic

Patient education: Labor and childbirth (The Basics)
Patient education: How to tell when labor starts (The Basics)
Patient education: Managing pain during labor and childbirth (The Basics)
Patient education: Cesarean birth (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal birth after a cesarean (The Basics)

Patient education: C-section (cesarean birth) (Beyond the Basics)