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Labor & birth

How to write a birth plan (with a simple template)

What a birth plan is, what to include about labor, pain relief, the birth and your baby's first hours, and a simple template to share with your care team.

By the Prego team · Updated · 3 min read · How we create content

A 3D clay notepad and pencil with a pink heart on a soft cream background

A birth plan is a short document that tells your care team what matters most to you during labor and birth. It isn't a contract, because births don't always go to plan, but it helps you think through your options in advance and makes sure your wishes are heard when you are busy having a baby.

When should I write my birth plan?

Most people write it around weeks 32 to 36, then talk it through with their doctor or midwife. They can tell you what your hospital offers and whether anything in your plan might not be possible for medical reasons. Print a few copies and put one in your hospital bag.

What to include in a birth plan

Keep it to one page with short bullet points. Staff are much more likely to read it.

About you

  • Your name, due date and provider
  • Your birth partner and anyone else you want with you
  • Any health conditions, allergies or previous birth experiences that matter

Labor environment

  • Dim lights, music, your own clothes
  • Moving around freely and changing positions
  • Using a birth ball, shower or birth pool if available
  • Eating and drinking during early labor, if allowed

Pain relief

Knowing your options before labor means your team can act quickly, without you having to make decisions mid-contraction. Options may include:

  • Breathing, massage, water and movement
  • A TENS machine
  • Nitrous oxide (gas and air)
  • Opioid injections
  • An epidural

You might write "I'd like to try without medication first", "please offer me an epidural early", or "I'm open to anything". All are valid.

During the birth

  • Positions you would like to try for pushing
  • Whether you want to see or touch your baby's head as it crowns
  • Who will tell you the baby's sex, if you don't know
  • Delayed cord clamping, and who will cut the cord

If you need a cesarean

  • Whether you would like the screen lowered to see your baby born
  • Skin-to-skin in the operating room if you and baby are well
  • Your partner staying with you and the baby

After the birth

  • Immediate skin-to-skin contact
  • How you plan to feed your baby: breastfeeding, formula or both
  • The vitamin K injection for your baby (recommended to prevent a rare bleeding disorder)
  • Delivering the placenta naturally or with an injection to speed it up
  • Whether you want to keep the placenta

Simple birth plan template

My preferences
Birth partner
Environment
Pain relief
Positions for labor and pushing
Cord clamping
If a cesarean is needed
After the birth
Feeding
Anything else my team should know

Tips for a good birth plan

  • Stay flexible. Use phrases like "if possible" and "I'd prefer". Your team's priority is a safe birth.
  • Talk it through with your provider well before your due date.
  • Share it with your birth partner so they can speak up for you.
  • Pre-register at the hospital so your details and preferences are already on file.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a birth plan?

No, but most people find it useful. Even if things change, thinking through your options in advance helps you feel more prepared and in control.

What if my birth doesn't go to plan?

That is very common, and it doesn't mean you failed. Your plan is a guide for your team, and they will explain the options as things change.

Should my birth plan be long?

Keep it to one page. Short, clear bullet points are easiest for busy staff to read.

Sources

General information only, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor or midwife.

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