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Personalised birth preferences

Personalised birth preferences

A birth plan supports you (and your birth partner/s) to make informed decisions about your care in labour. Sharing your preferences with your care providers enables them to personalise the care they give you. Questions 1 to 17 relate to information found within the app in the Birth section. Please read the content and explore the links prior to completing. Work your way through the questions at your own pace. Save, then print or show to your midwife from 34 weeks onwards. This personal care plan should be written in consultation with a healthcare professional, especially if you have an underlying health condition (such as diabetes) or have developed a pregnancy-related condition (such as pre-eclampsia).

1.  I am aware of my three choices of birth setting (home, birth centre and labour ward) and have had a discussion with my midwife/doctor about which option is recommended for me. I would prefer to give birth …

  • at home
  • in a birth centre
  • in a labour ward
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Certain options might be recommended for you based on your personal health and pregnancy.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

2. My birth partner(s) will be …

Think of up to two people that you would like to have with you during labour.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

3. Student midwives/doctors may be working with the team when I have my baby …

  • I am happy for a student to be present during my labour/birth
  • I prefer that no students are present during my labour/birth
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Students work closely alongside a supervised midwife and will provide you with care and support under supervision, with your consent.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

4.  I have additional requirements …

  • I will need help to translate into my language
  • I have allergies and/or special dietary requirements
  • I have religious beliefs and customs that I would like to be observed
  • I/my partner have additional needs.
If you have any special requirements, please tell your maternity team as early as possible. Use of interpreting services will vary depending on local policy and availability, please discuss with your midwife.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

5. I have had a discussion with my midwife/doctor about how I would like to give birth.

The majority of women will have a vaginal birth, however for some a caesarean birth may be recommended.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
If you are having a planned caesarean birth please go to Q.15

6. In some circumstances, your midwife or doctor may recommend starting your labour artificially, instead of waiting for it to start naturally (this is known as induction of labour) …

  • I am aware of why an induction might be recommended
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
If you go 10 or more days past your estimated due date, you have certain medical conditions, or your doctor is concerned about the health of your baby you may be offered an induction of labour. This will be planned carefully with your midwife/doctor.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

7. During labour and birth I would consider the following coping strategies/pain relief …

  • I prefer to avoid all pain relief
  • self-hypnosis/hypnobirthing
  • aromatherapy/homeopathy/reflexology
  • water (bath or birthing pool)
  • TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
  • gas and air (entonox)
  • pethidine/diamorphine/meptid (opioid injection)
  • epidural
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/would like to find out more.
Your options for pain relief will depend on where you plan to give birth. Discuss with your midwife and ask what options are available to you at your local maternity unit.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

8. During labour and birth I would consider …

  • massage
  • walking/standing
  • different upright positions such as all fours/squatting/kneeling
  • a birthing ball
  • bean bags, birth stools and birth couches if available
  • a birthing pool
  • a bed, for rest – propped up with pillows or whilst lying on my side
  • music to be played (which I will provide)
  • the lights dimmed
  • my birth partner taking photographs/filming
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Your circumstances in labour my influence what choices are available to you. Please discuss this with your midwife at 34-40 weeks.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

9. During labour and birth, it is recommended that your baby’s heartbeat is monitored…

  • I prefer to have intermittent fetal heart rate monitoring with a handheld device
  • I prefer to have continuous fetal heart rate monitoring using a CTG machine
  • if I need continuous monitoring I would like to be mobile and use wireless monitoring if available
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
You can learn more about fetal monitoring by reading the app content.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

10. During labour, your midwife and/or doctor may recommend vaginal examinations to assess the progress of your labour …

  • I am aware of why vaginal examinations are part of routine care
  • I prefer to avoid vaginal examinations if possible
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
Vaginal examinations are a routine part of assessing labour progress and will not be undertaken without your consent.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

11. In some circumstances, your midwife or doctor may recommend interventions to assist with your labour …

  • I am aware of why assistance/intervention might be recommended
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
Interventions may be recommended if your labour slows down, or if there are concerns with you or your baby’s health.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

12. In some circumstances, your maternity team may intervene by recommending an assisted or caesarean birth …

  • I understand why an assisted birth might be recommended
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
An assisted or caesarean birth may be recommended if it is thought to be the safest way to deliver your baby; your doctor will discuss this with you and ask for your consent before any procedure is undertaken.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

13. In some circumstances, your midwife or doctor may recommend a cut to the perineum to facilitate birth (episiotomy) …

  • I understand why an episiotomy might be recommended
  • I prefer to avoid an episiotomy
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
An episiotomy may be recommended for an assisted birth or if your midwife/doctor is concerned that your baby needs to be born quickly. Your midwife/doctor will always ask for your consent.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

14. After your baby is born, your placenta will be expelled (this is known as the third stage of labour). There are two ways this can happen …

  • I would like to have a natural (physiological) third stage, the cord is left intact and I push the placenta out myself
  • I would like to have an active third stage, where the cord is cut after a few minutes and I receive an injection of oxytocin, the midwife/doctor delivers my placenta
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
  • I/my birth partner would like to cut the umbilical cord
  • I prefer the midwife/doctor to cut the umbilical cord.
Your midwife or doctor may recommend an active third stage due to your personal circumstance and will discuss this with you at the time of birth.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

15. Skin-to-skin contact with your baby – immediately after birth – is recommended for all …

  • I understand why skin-to-skin contact is recommended
  • I would like immediate skin-to-skin contact
  • I prefer to wait and see
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
As long as you and your baby are both well, skin-to-skin can be done following any type of birth. Your partner can also have skin-to-skin contact with your baby.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

16. I am aware that I will be provided with support to feed my baby, my thoughts around feeding are …

During pregnancy you will have a chance to discuss infant feeding, this will include information about the value of breastfeeding. A midwife will help you to get feeding off to a good start as soon as your baby shows cues that he/she is ready to feed.
My personal plans/thoughts.

17. After my baby is born, he or she will be offered Vitamin K …

  • I would like my baby to have Vitamin K by injection
  • I would like my baby to have Vitamin K by oral drops
  • I do not want my baby to have Vitamin K
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Vitamin K is a supplement that is recommended for all babies that prevents a rare condition known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). The Vitamin K supplement has no known side effects.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
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Health and wellbeing in pregnancy plan

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy

All these questions relate to information found within the app in the Your pregnancy section. Please read the content and explore the links prior to completing. These questions can be completed in one go or be an on-going process following  discussions with your care provider. Print or show this to your midwife at any stage in your pregnancy.
Physical health and wellbeing

1.  I have a long term health condition that may affect my pregnancy …

  • diabetes
  • epilepsy
  • mental health problems
  • high blood pressure
  • heart problems
  • asthma
  • hypo/hyperthyroidism
  • other
  • none.
There are many conditions that may or may not have an impact on your pregnancy. Ask your GP, doctor or midwife about any conditions you have, or may have had in the past.
Notes can be typed here.

2. Bladder and bowel problems are common and can get worse in pregnancy. Support is available. Please discuss with your GP, midwife or doctor if you experience any of the following:

  • leakage of urine
  • problems holding wind (gas)
  • unable to control the loss of stool (poo)
  • bleeding from the back passage
  • pain or bleeding during or after sex (intercourse)
  • affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

3. It is recommended that you discuss pre-existing medical conditions and/or special requirements with your GP, midwife or doctor prior to becoming pregnant or in early pregnancy …

  • I have discussed my pre-existing medical condition(s) with my maternity team
  • I require further support with my medical condition(s) or special needs
  • I am aware that in certain circumstances my midwife or health care professional may need to communicate with my GP or health visitor
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Use the space below to write down what you know already, or for any questions or concerns you have about your care.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

4. I am taking the following medication and/or supplements …

  • I am aware of the recommendations and I have discussed this with my GP, doctor or midwife
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
It is recommended that all pregnant women take folic acid supplements before conception and up until 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is also recommended that pregnant women take Vitamin D supplements throughout pregnancy. Any other medications should be discussed and reviewed with your maternity team.

5. I have additional requirements…

  • I will need help at appointments to translate into my language
  • I have allergies and/or special dietary requirements
  • I have religious beliefs and customs that I would like to be observed
  • I/my partner have additional needs
  • I have a current or previous history of social care involvement
  • I would like to speak to the midwife about something else in a private setting
If you have any special requirements, please tell your maternity team as early as possible. Use of interpreting services vary depending on local policy and availability, please discuss with your midwife.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Lifestyle and wellbeing

6. It is recommended that you avoid some foods whilst pregnant, as they can cause harm to you and your unborn baby …

  • I am aware of what foods to avoid in pregnancy
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
Advice changes about which foods to avoid, please use the links provided in the app to get the latest information.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

7. It is recommended that you try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in pregnancy …

  • I am aware of my nutritional needs in pregnancy
  • I have specific circumstances that affect my dietary requirements and I would like guidance from my maternity team
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions … 

8. For the majority of women, regular light to moderate exercise is recommended in pregnancy …

  • I am aware of the recommendations about exercise
  • I have a condition that affects my ability to exercise and I would like guidance from my maternity team
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

9. For the health and wellbeing of you and your baby, you are advised not to smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs in pregnancy …

  • I am aware of advice around the consumption of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products and recreational/illegal drugs
  • I am aware that smoking increases the chances of having a miscarriage and increases the risk of having a baby born too early, underweight or stillborn
  • I am aware that all pregnant women are offered carbon monoxide screening during pregnancy and support to quit for those who smoke
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more
You can talk to your midwife or doctor for support with giving up smoking, drinking alcohol or taking recreational/illegal drugs.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Emotional health and wellbeing
Expecting a baby can be a joyful and exciting time, however it is also common for pregnant women to experience anxiety, depression or emotional distress.

10. I have a long term mental health condition that may affect my pregnancy …

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • eating disorder
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • personality disorder
  • bipolar affective disorder (also known as manic depression or mania)
  • schizoaffective disorder
  • schizophrenia or any other psychotic illness
  • postpartum psychosis
  • any other mental health condition for which you have seen a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
If you have any of these conditions you should talk to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible as you may require support from a specialist perinatal mental health team.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

11. This is how I’m feeling at the moment …

Write down any concerns or worries you have, and talk to your friends, family, midwife, GP or doctor.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

12. Getting to know your baby during pregnancy helps to build strong parental relationships, and will also help with your emotional wellbeing. You can try …

  • talking, singing or playing music to your unborn baby
  • gently massaging your bump
  • writing a journal
  • pregnancy yoga and/or hypnobirthing
  • using an app to track your baby’s growth and development
  • reading UNICEF’s ‘Building a happy baby guide’.
Doing these simple things regularly is known to release a hormone called oxytocin, a hormone which can help your baby’s brain to develop and makes you feel good.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

13. I am aware of things I can do to enhance my emotional wellbeing …

  • take regular gentle exercise, such as pregnancy yoga, walking or swimming
  • ensure I eat well
  • try relaxation techniques, listening to music, meditation or breathing exercises
  • take time for myself, somewhere I can relax
  • talk to someone I trust – friend, family, midwife, GP or doctor
  • ask for practical help with household chores or other children.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

14. Specialist support for pregnant women with anxiety and depression or any other mental health condition is available …

  • I am aware of how to access mental health support if I need it whilst pregnant
  • I am not sure/I would like to find out more.
If you feel that you need some emotional support, you can refer yourself to your local talking therapy services. It is free and pregnant women are prioritised. See the Talking therapies section (use the app’s search bar to find this section in Your pregnancy).
My thoughts, feelings and questions …

15. Emotions my partner, family and I should look out for include …

  • tearfulness
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • feeling irritable or arguing more often
  • difficulty concentrating
  • change in appetite
  • problems sleeping or extreme energy
  • feeling very anxious
  • racing thoughts
  • loss of interest in things I normally like
  • being so afraid of birth that I don’t want to go through with it
  • having unpleasant thoughts that I can’t control or keep coming back
  • suicidal feelings or thoughts of self-harm
  • repeating actions or developing strict rituals
  • lack of feeling towards my unborn baby.
If you are worried by any of these feelings, talk to your midwife or doctor.
My thoughts, feelings and questions …
Beyond birth

16. Thinking about contraceptive choices …

  • I am not sure what to choose/I would like to find out more
  • I would like to wait until after my baby is born to think about this
  • I am aware that immediate postnatal contraception is available after my baby is born. My choice is stated in the box below.
My preferred method of contraception is …
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About me

Set my due date:
Name of my maternity unit:
Intended place of birth (home, midwife-led unit or obstetric-led unit):
Team name:
Named midwife:
Midwife/team contact details:
Named obstetric/midwife consultant:
Known medical conditions/allergies:
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Your personal care

Your personal care

Your personal details

All your personal data stays within the app and will not be shared with anyone else unless you choose to do so.

About me

Add your name, due date, your chosen maternity unit and the name of your midwife.
About me

Personalised care and support plans

Health and wellbeing in pregnancy
Personalised birth preferences
After your baby is born
Birth reflections

How to use the personalised care and support plans

Personalised care and support plans help you to explore, understand and record your individual choices for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. As you work your way through the personalised care and support plans, refer to the revelant sections in the app. You can change your preferences at any time. Your midwife and/or doctor can help you to complete or adapt your personalised care and support plans at any point, and you are encouraged to share your plans and preferences with them throughout pregnancy. It is important to remember that a plan is just that – and that things may need to be reviewed and changed around your needs and the needs of your baby, to ensure care is always high quality and safe. You can print out your personal care and support plan(s) and keep them with your maternity notes, and share them with your maternity team as you wish.
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Explore maternity units

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What to consider?

Many women opt to book for care with their nearest maternity unit and there are some benefits to making this choice:
  • you are more likely to receive care from a small team of midwives, in a location close to home
  • you are more likely to get to know one midwife, and one team which can improve your maternity experience
  • you will have less distance to travel when you are in labour
  • if you would like to have a homebirth this must be booked through your local maternity unit, this may not be your nearest unit 
  • care at home after your baby is born is always provided by your local midwife team (this is likely to be a team that you have already met).

Other considerations when making your choice:

  • facilities available
  • public transport and ease of parking
  • ease of travel to and from your place of work
  • recommendations from your friends, family and others 
  • where you have previously received maternity or other health care
Portal: Core services available at all maternity units in your region
Portal: Maternity units outside your region
Find information about private maternity care:
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maternity units.
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Access contact details and directions to your chosen maternity unit by tapping below:

Maternity units
Once referred, accepted and booked in to receive your maternity care, select your chosen maternity unit, the app will remember your choice and and serve up contact details for your maternity unit.

Information and advice

Evidence-based information and advice on all you need to know about pregnancy, birth and beyond with recommended links to support you to expand your knowledge and understanding:

Your pregnancy

Birth

After your baby’s birth

Personal care

Use the appointment tool to keep track of your appointments and type questions to ask your midwife or doctor. Use the personal care plans to create a pregnancy, birth and afterbirth care plan with your personal preferences. Print and share your preferences with your maternity team.

Appointments

Personal care plans

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Your personal choices

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