A birth plan is a record of what a person would like to happen during childbirth. It may include information such as where a person would prefer to give birth, who will be present, and what type of pain management a person wants.
It is not always possible to follow a birth plan, but the process of making one can help parents understand their options and communicate their preferences to healthcare professionals.
If labor does not happen in a predictable way or if complications occur, people may need to change their plans.
This article explores birth plans, including what they are, what to include, an example of a birth plan, and the potential benefits and limitations of birth plans.
A birth plan is a document that outlines a person’s preferences for several aspects of labor and delivery, such as where and how they want to give birth. Healthcare professionals can use this plan to guide their decisions.
Creating a birth plan can also help parents understand the options that are available in their area. These may vary depending on where a person lives and how they want to give birth. For example, some hospitals may have facilities for water births, while others may not.
Birth plans do not give parents total control over what happens during delivery. If the situation calls for it, people need to be prepared to make changes to ensure the health of the birth parent and baby.
Because childbirth can be unpredictable, some may wonder whether a birth plan is worth having at all. Making a birth plan is not a requirement, and some people may choose not to have one.
However, birth plans do have some benefits, even if things do not go exactly according to the parent’s wishes. Making a birth plan may:
- teach parents about the birth options available to them
- give them an idea of what to expect in different scenarios
- encourage them to plan ahead, where possible
- increase engagement between parents and their healthcare team
Ultimately, though, whether a person wants a birth plan is a personal decision.
What if my doctor does not offer birth plans?
Not all medical professionals have positive views of birth plans. A 2019 study of United States-based obstetricians and midwives found that
This may be because birth plans sometimes increase people’s expectations around birth, giving them the impression that it is something they can control. As a result, people may feel dissatisfied when birth does not go according to their plan.
However, these attitudes may vary by location and according to how well people and their healthcare professionals communicate. In Scotland, birth plans are a standardized part of care for pregnant people, meaning everyone fills out the same form and has similar options. This may help streamline the process and set realistic expectations.
If a person would like a birth plan but their doctor has not mentioned it so far, the person can ask the doctor about creating one at the next appointment. If this is not something the doctor usually recommends, parents may want to explain why they would find it beneficial.
A birth plan may include a person’s preferences for:
- where they want to give birth
- who they would like to be present during labor
- what role they would like any birthing partners to play
- what pain management methods they want to use
- what positions they would like to try during labor
- what other coping strategies they may want to try, such as massage
- whether they want to use special facilities, such as birthing pools
- who will first hold the baby or cut the cord
- whether they have any special requests in regard to the placenta
- how they want to feed the newborn after birth
- whether they want visitors
Birth plans may also include special requirements. For example, a person may want to observe religious customs or may need additional assistance during the birth, such as a language interpreter.
The following is an example of what a birth plan may look like for a typical vaginal delivery. The plan for a scheduled or elective cesarean delivery (commonly called a C-section) may be different.
Birth plan options may also vary by location and healthcare team and may go into more or less detail than this.
| Your name: Name of OB-GYN: Due date: | Options |
|---|---|
| Location | I would like to give birth: ☐ At home ☐ In a birth center ☐ In a hospital |
| Attendees | ☐ I have a partner or companion(s) that I would like to attend. Their name(s): ___________ I would like them to be present for: ☐ Labor ☐ Birth ☐ Forceps or vacuum delivery, if necessary ☐ Emergency C-section, if necessary I consent to trainee medical staff being present: ☐ Yes ☐ No |
| Pain management | For pain relief, I would like: ☐ An epidural ☐ Local anesthesia ☐ Nitrous oxide ☐ Opioids ☐ Breathing and relaxation ☐ A water bath or shower ☐ Another type of pain management: ___________ ☐ No pain management |
| Equipment and positions | During labor or birth, I would like to try: ☐ Lying on my back ☐ Lying on my side ☐ Sitting ☐ Kneeling ☐ Being on all fours ☐ Standing ☐ No preference If possible, I would like to try using: ☐ A mat ☐ A birthing stool or chair ☐ A birthing ball ☐ Other equipment: ___________ ☐ No preference |
| Environment | In the room, I would like to have: ☐ Dim lighting ☐ As much quiet as possible ☐ Music: ___________ ☐ No preference |
| Postdelivery | When the baby is born, I would like: ☐ To hold the baby right away for skin-to-skin contact ☐ Someone to clean and wrap the baby first ☐ Someone else to hold them: ___________ |
| Baby care | After birth, I would like to feed the baby by: ☐ Trying to breastfeed ☐ Giving formula ☐ A mixture |
The process of creating a birth plan can begin as soon as the early stages of pregnancy, when a person may start thinking about their preferences.
Throughout pregnancy, a person may then gather information and discuss options with their healthcare team. They may finalize the plan at their last checkup before birth.
It is important for a person to give the birth plan to their healthcare team well before their due date to make sure there is time to discuss the plan beforehand.
A person should give copies of the birth plan to:
- the primary healthcare team
- the birthing center or hospital
- any companions who will be present
Partners or companions can play an important role in creating a birth plan. They may support the birth parent as they make decisions or may participate in the decision making themselves.
For example, if they will be attending, the partner or companion may have opinions about whether they want to:
- provide help with pain relief or relaxation
- physically support the birth parent during labor
- see or photograph the delivery taking place
- go with the birth parent if they need a procedure, such as a C-section
- cut the cord
Helping with the birth plan may also allow companions to feel more informed and involved.
However, a partner cannot force a birthing parent to consent to decisions that affect the birthing parent’s body.
Learn more tips for birth partners.
Can I change my birth plan once I am in labor?
Yes, people can change many aspects of a birth plan once labor begins.
A birth plan is a guide to how a person would like to go through labor and birth in ideal conditions. But once labor starts, people may have second thoughts about certain aspects of the plan, such as pain relief or delivery method. It is OK to communicate this to the healthcare team.
A few aspects of a birth plan may be difficult to change once labor progresses. People can ask their team about this.
What if a birth does not go according to plan?
People cannot always follow their birth plan. Labor can begin at an unexpected time or place or in otherwise less-than-ideal circumstances. Some people may need help giving birth or may need an emergency C-section.
This is not uncommon, so it is important to stay flexible. Changing the plan could be the best way of protecting the health of the parent and baby.
A birth plan is a document that outlines a person’s preferences for how they would like to go through labor and delivery.
It is not always possible to follow a birth plan, but having one may help a person feel more prepared and in control of their experience, and the document may be a useful guide for the healthcare team.
Having a birth plan is optional. It is important that everyone present during labor and birth is prepared to be flexible and accept that they may need to change the birth plan due to changing circumstances.