First-time mom Amber E., who is currently in her second trimester, is beginning to ponder over her preferences for labor and delivery. She shares with the WTE First-Time Mom Community group, "Being new to this, I'm unsure of what appeals to me or suits my needs.” She questions how she can personalize her birthing plan and wonders whether having one is necessary at all since she doesn’t have strong feelings about the method of delivery.
Amber's doubt regarding how to outline a plan for her delivery is quite typical. A lot of expectant mothers are advised to create a birth plan, yet they're unsure about what it ought to encompass. Since childbirth is inherently uncertain, how precisely can an expecting mother guide her obstetrician?
A comprehensive birth plan can serve as an excellent tool for initiating conversations with your healthcare providers regarding your priorities during labor and postpartum. Instead of viewing this document as a rigid set of instructions for your physician, consider it more like a prioritized wish list. This allows you to specify which aspects matter most to you throughout childbirth, keeping in mind that adjustments might be necessary at times.
It's completely optional not to make a birth plan. According to a January 2025 survey, the choice of whether to prepare one divides women with intended natural births—53% opt for a birth plan, whereas 47% do not.
If you're planning to initiate a discussion about your preferences for labor and delivery with your physician, here are several aspects to keep in mind.
What does a birth plan entail?
A birth plan generally refers to a documented set of preferences detailing what you hope for regarding childbirth from before through the actual process up until afterward. With your healthcare provider, you can create an idealized vision of labor and delivery—how things should proceed optimally assuming everything aligns perfectly with this envisioned scenario.
In addition to outlining your desires, a birth plan also considers what’s realistic, achievable, and within the scope of what your healthcare provider and chosen facility—whether it be a hospital or birthing center—are able to offer or willing to support. Dr. Shannon Smith, an OB/GYN and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, explains: “A birth plan serves as yet another resource in helping you learn about childbirth and get ready for potential decisions and scenarios.”
Many women talk about their birthing preferences with their healthcare providers during a regular appointment at some point in their third trimester. They later take this documented birth plan to the hospital when they go into labor.
In the final couple of weeks leading up to delivery, you'll likely have weekly check-ins with your healthcare providers," explains Jennifer Wu, M.D., an OB/GYN and a member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board. "This provides ample chances to discuss your preferences for how labor and childbirth should unfold.
Are you looking to develop a birth plan?
Your healthcare provider might request that you complete a birth plan to bring with you to your next scheduled appointment. Although a birth plan is not required, many expectant parents discover that it offers an opportunity for them to reflect on their preferences and get ready for what’s ahead.
Dr. Smith states, "I believe these tools can greatly assist patients in grasping the various routes and options that might occur during childbirth."
A birth plan might prevent unreasonable expectations, reduce disappointment, and avoid possible conflicts or misunderstandings during labor and childbirth. Should you find the notion of drafting something daunting, discuss with your healthcare provider alternative methods for feeling ready without needing a formal plan.
Dr. Smith remarks, "For certain women, this procedure generates more stress than it merits, so they opt for letting events unfold naturally."
Even though many of your outlined plans may proceed as written, your healthcare provider will still consider the progression of your pregnancy and might make additional adjustments such as increased surveillance or scheduling a cesarean section when necessary.
Dr. Wu explains, “If labor could be forecasted easily, every person’s experience would mirror another's. Remember that circumstances may shift rapidly, particularly during emergencies; thus, your initial birth plan might become irrelevant. Ultimately, the sole objective of the birth plan will revolve around ensuring both yours and your child's health and safety.”
What details should be included in a birth plan?
Just like there are countless variations of birth plans among mothers, yours doesn't need to be flawless either. Remember, each woman’s experience is unique, so focus on what feels right for you during childbirth.
You don’t necessarily have to stick to a specific format or create an overly formal plan; just wing it by noting down the main concerns you have and discuss these points with your healthcare provider during your upcoming appointment. Keep in mind that some options might not be available at your chosen hospital or birthing center, and certain decisions could change based on how your labor unfolds.
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Birth plans can be...
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Below are some details you may wish to incorporate into your birthing plan:
Requests for the ambiance of the delivery room:
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Who do you wish to accompany you during labor and/or childbirth—like your spouse, a doula, or close friends and family?
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If you plan on consuming food or beverages during active labor,
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If your preference is to leave your bed (either walking around or sitting upright) throughout labor,
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Any gear such as an exercise ball, in-room shower, or birthing tub — which you might desire for use during active labor — should be considered.
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Particular labor postures you would prefer your caregiver to assist you with during childbirth.
Requests made during labor and childbirth:
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The kind of delivery you're considering (such as vaginal birth or Cesarean section) along with your preferences should you require a C-section or another form of medical intervention.
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If you prefer an epidural, other forms of pain relief, or alternative methods to manage pain without medications,
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If you're fine with your caregiver rupturing your membranes—or would rather they didn't—
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Should you have any preferences regarding external or internal electronic fetal monitoring, please let us know.
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If you have any preferences about using an intravenous line or catheter, please let us know.
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Your desires regarding oxytocin for initiating or strengthening labor contractions
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What are your thoughts on using tools such as vacuum extraction or forceps to help deliver your baby?
Requests for newborn care:
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Any specific preferences you have regarding suctioning for your baby?
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Preferences regarding skin-to-skin contact following delivery
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Do you have any immediate plans for breastfeeding and would you prefer having a lactation consultant present?
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At what point and with whom would you consider cutting the umbilical cord, along with your decision regarding cord blood banking?
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Should you prefer delaying your infant's weight measurement and/or the administration of eye drops until after you have interacted with your baby,
Numerous mothers within the WTE Community exchange different checklists for inspiration as they draft their personal plans.
A useful guideline is to bring multiple copies of your healthcare provider-approved birth plan with you to the hospital or birthing center. This ensures they are accessible for both your delivery team and postpartum caregivers.
The enlightening aspect of a birthing plan lies in self-education, ensuring that during moments of decision-making, unforeseen changes, or medical emergencies, you possess the knowledge to comprehend and select options that prioritize both yours and your child’s well-being,” explains Dr. Smith. “Ultimately, what truly matters with a birthing plan is achieving the desired outcome: having the baby safely cradled in your embrace.” To this, we aspire for a secure—and liberating—labor experience.
Methodology
The Everyday Health Group’s Pregnancy & Parenting Talk to Moms® Monthly Poll took place from January 28 to 29, 2025, carried out by the Everyday Health Group – Pregnancy and Parenting. This poll gathered responses from 387 participants within the U.S., all aged between 18 and 45 with at least one child under five years of age. These respondents were sourced through the Dynata Research Panel for this study.
Additional contribution by Olivia DeLong, in April 2025.
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What steps should I take to ensure that my healthcare provider truly recognizes my birth plan?
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