Birth Preferences
All pregnant women in Scotland now have the same hand-held pregnancy record. This includes a section for recording your preferences for your labour and birth, sometimes known as a birth plan.
In Angus, we offer you a home visit when you are around 34 weeks pregnant. This visit is for an in-depth discussion of your birth preferences. This lets us understand how we can help to make your labour and birth go as smoothly as possible, and gives you the chance to think about some of the options you may be presented with. To help you think this through, we have listed the headings from the hand-held pregnancy record. Click on each one to find out more about it. It is important to involve your birth partner in this, as they should understand and feel comfortable with your wishes. Our antenatal classes may also help you decide what you want.
How do I feel about labour and birth? What are my expectations?
Who do I want with me during labour and birth?
My environment for labour and birth
If everything is straightforward, how do I want my baby's heartbeat to be monitored during labour?
How will I cope with pain?
What are my feelings about vaginal examinations to assess progress during labour?
How would I like to give birth?
What would I like to happen after my baby's birth?
What other questions or special requirements do I have?
If you have given birth before:
Do I want to think about my experiences? Is there anything I would like my midwife to know?
