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Childbirth - what are your options?
Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and Sarah Dunne,
Giving birth by Caesarean
Some women may be advised in advance that a Caesarean section will be needed to deliver their baby. This is called an elective section and is normally carried out one to two weeks before your baby's due date.
Alternatively, a Caesarean may become necessary if there are complications during labour. This is called an emergency section.
Which delivery position suits you?
Kneeling on all fours
You can rest between contractions and don't need to lift yourself up to push. Gravity works to your advantage and helps your baby settle down in the birth canal.
Sitting upright
However, it can be difficult for the midwife to follow the progress of your labour closely. As a result, you will sometimes need to adopt the kneeling position for a short time.
Position advice
However, you are likely to be most active at the start of labour and need more rest towards the end.
Squatting
Squatting is a good position when the time comes to push, but it can put a strain on your knees and back.
For this reason, some maternity wards have small birthing stools. Alternatively, it may be suggested that your partner supports you under the arms, from behind.
Standing or walking
Some women find it relieves the pain to move around or to lean against their companion. Although gravity does help the process, standing up to give birth can be extremely tiring.
What can I do to relieve labour pains?
Other things to include in your birth plan
Do you want your partner to cut the cord after the birth?
Are you planning to breastfeed?
Would you like your partner to photograph or video the birth?
Before arranging this, your partner or birth companion should make sure you are happy to be filmed, and know how much time to spend on it.
First and foremost, your partner is there to help and support you giving birth.
Do you want students present?
Although this is part of their training, if you don't not feel comfortable about having them there, or it's not in accordance with your culture, it's important to say so.
Kneeling on all fours in labour has many advantages.
Sitting in an upright position is also useful. This way, you don't have to lift yourself up to push; gravity, again, works to your advantage.
During labour switch between the positions to whatever suits you best.
Squatting can also be used and is a position that has been rediscovered from tribal people.
Standing or walking is an option for the early stages of labour, because it encourages contractions to become regular and stronger.
The standard methods of pain relief during labour are:
You may also want to try some other approaches to pain relief.
Here are some other options you need to consider when drawing up your birth plan. Think them through, talk them over with your partner and make your choices.
Many people see cutting the umbilical cord as a symbolic act to separate the mother and baby, and a chance to involve the father as an active participant in the birth of his child.
You may need help immediately after the birth if you would like to breastfeed your baby. This is often the case if your baby is awake and very alert.
A lot of parents like to have photographs or a video as a memento of the birth.
There may be student doctors, nurses and midwives studying in the maternity ward. Think about whether to give your consent for their presence during the delivery.
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