What is a Birth Plan?Planning for pregnancy and giving birth has changed overtime. Many pregnant women take charge of their own health and assume responsibility for it. A contemporary way of identifying options and setting priorities for one’s pregnancy is through developing a birth plan. A birth plan is a pregnancy tool with which couples explore their choices for childbirth and delivery and choose the best for them. Many couples even before pregnancy have already indicated their preferences. But others do not give much thought to the conduct of their pregnancies. They have not planned for labor and delivery, recovery or even parenthood because they are more focused on their emotional responses and the reality of the situation. These couples need assistance in decision making. This is where a birth plan can be useful. A birth plan also serves as a communication tool between a pregnant woman and her partner, the couple and their health care provider. Having planned for birth and delivery allows the couple to think of situations and events that can make childbirth more meaningful to them and those that they need to avoid. During prenatal check- up, your doctor will be able to provide the couple with pertinent information allowing them to make informed decisions. The doctor will also advise on various options for care and the advantages and disadvantages of each, and may provide birth plan templates that a couple can fill out. It is also a must that any decisions made should be discussed with your doctor. Topics for a birth plan discussion may include the following:
These are just some of the options available. However not all options are applicable to all pregnancies, especially if the pregnancy is considered “high risk.” Read more of our articles on labor and delivery
Labor and Delivery - Where Would You Like to Give Birth? |