The pregnancy care planner

Where to give birth

You will have a choice about where to have your baby. Your midwife or doctor will be able to tell you what services are available locally and advise you on any issues to do with your health or pregnancy that may affect your choice.

Where do you want to give birth?

Companions

Having a companion you can ‘lean on’ and who can support you during your labour can be helpful. It has been shown to reduce the need for pain relief.

Do you want your partner, or chosen companion(s) to be with you during labour?

Companions during a forceps or vacuum delivery

A forceps delivery uses forceps placed around the baby’s head to gently pull it from the birth canal.  Vacuum delivery, sometimes called Ventouse, is when the baby is guided out using a cap fitted to its head by suction.  

Do you want your partner or companion to be with you if you have a forceps or vacuum delivery?

Companions during a caesarean section

A caesarean section is when the baby is delivered by cutting through the abdomen and into the womb. This will only be performed when it is necessary, but there are situations where this is the safest option for either you or your baby. If your caesarean section is carried out under local anaesthetic and you are awake, your partner or companion may sit with you. 

Do you want your partner or companion to be with you if you have a caesarean section?

Birthing equipment

You may find items such as wall bars, mats or bean bags help you to change position and remain comfortable during labour. If you're giving birth in a maternity unit, your midwife will be able to tell you if specific items are normally available. However, you may need, or prefer, to provide some equipment yourself.

Do you plan to use equipment such as mats or beanbags?

Special facilities

Some units may offer you special facilities such as a birthing pool. Some have special rooms called LDRP rooms (labour, delivery, recovery, postnatal rooms) where you stay in the same room throughout your stay. Your midwife will be able to tell you what’s available.

Do you want to use any special facilities, such as a special room or birthing pool?

Monitoring during labour

Every baby is monitored throughout labour to make sure that it is not in distress. There are different ways of monitoring the baby’s heartbeat.

Have you discussed with your midwife how you want your baby's heart monitored if everything is straightforward?

Keeping active during labour

Keep active for as long as you feel comfortable. This helps the progress of the birth. Keeping active doesn't mean anything strenuous: just moving normally or walking around. 

Is it important for you to be able to move around when you are in labour?

Positions for labour

Find the position you prefer and which will make labour easier for you. Try out various positions at antenatal class or at home to find out which are the most comfortable for you.

What positions would you like to be in for the labour and birth? (You can choose as many positions as you want and vary them throughout your labour)

Skin-to-skin contact with your baby

Immediately after the birth you can have your baby lifted straight on to you before the cord is cut so that you can be close to each other immediately. If you prefer, you can ask the midwife to wipe your baby and wrap him or her in a blanket first.

Do you want your baby delivered straight on to your tummy or do you want your baby cleaned first?

Midwives, nurses and doctors in training

Midwives, nurses or doctors need to observe women in labour as part of their training. They will always be supervised by a senior health professional.

Have you discussed with your midwife your thoughts about having midwives, nurses or doctors in training with you during your labour?

Pain relief options

There are many different pain relief options. Some women use a combination of methods.  You may find that you want more pain relief than you had planned or more effective pain relief may be advised to assist with delivery.

If you think you would like pain relief, which sort would you like to try? (You can use a number of different methods at different times)

Having an episiotomy

An episiotomy is a cut in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). This may be necessary if the perineum won’t stretch enough and may tear, or if the baby is short of oxygen and needs to be delivered quickly. 

Have you discussed with your midwife or doctor why an episiotomy might be necessary?

Delivering the placenta after the birth

After your baby is born your midwife will offer you an injection in your thigh.  This contains the drug Syntometrine or Syntocinon which helps the womb contract and so helps prevent the heavy bleeding which some women may experience without it.

Have you discussed with your midwife what happens after labour when the placenta is delivered?

Feeding your baby

Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for babies as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs and has lasting benefits for the health of your baby.  Infant formula milk can be used as an alternative to breast milk. 

How do you want to feed your baby

Vitamin K for your baby

Vitamin K is necessary to make the blood clot properly.  Some newborn babies have too little vitamin K and to protect your baby you will be offered for your baby to be given vitamin K either by injection or mouth. 

Have you given your midwife your consent to give your baby vitamin K when he or she is born?

Do you need someone present who speaks your first language?

Do you need a sign language interpreter?  

Do you need a special diet?

Do you or your partner or companion have special needs that should be considered?

Are there special religious customs you wish to be observed?