Updates to sources, and updated with new Ask Heidi video.
What to Expect momAmber E. is in hersecond trimesterand starting to think about her plan for labor and delivery.
How do I make a birth plan my own and do I need one?
I don’t feel strongly about how Ideliver."
Ambers uncertainty about how to dictate a plan for her birth is pretty common.
Many soon-to-be moms are told to write a birth plan, but dont know what it should include.
Birth is unpredictable how much direction can a mom-to-be really give her OB/GYN?
There’s also no pressure to put together a birth plan at all.
Birth is unpredictable, though, so it’s important to remember that things may change in the moment.
What is a birth plan?
Most women discuss their birth plan with their providers during a routine visit sometime in thethird trimester.
They then bring this written birth plan with them to the hospital for labor.
“There is plenty of opportunity to talk about what you would wish to happen at the birth.”
Do you should probably create a birth plan?
Your provider may ask you to fill out a birth plan to bring to them during an upcoming appointment.
If labor were predictable, then everyone would have the same labor," says Dr. Wu.
The only birth plan will be to keep you and the baby alive and well."
What information should a birth plan include?
It doesn’t have to be perfect!
Remember, not all of your choices may be possible at your hospital or birth center.
They may also need to be adjusted depending on how your labor progresses.
A good rule of thumb?
Have several copies of your provider-approved birth plan with you when you go to the hospital or birthing center.
That way, you’re free to have them available for both your delivery and post-birth teams.
Here’s to a safe and empowering labor.
The survey was fielded among the Dynata Research Panel.
Additional reporting by Olivia DeLong, April 2025.
