Constructing a delivery plan: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

Constructing a delivery plan: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey and pregnant ladies should enjoy every bit of it.

Preparing for birth is an essential part of antenatal care because labor and delivery can be unpredictable and putting such plans help ladies feel more confident about the process.

A delivery plan is a written document that describes the woman’s preferences for labor and childbirth and helps expectant mothers communicate their preferences with healthcare providers.

Medical circumstances require flexibility, but a healthcare provider should try to follow patients wishes as much as possible.

Elements of the plan:

1. Basic information:

• Full name
• Due date
• Name of your doctor
• Name of your hospital
• Contact information of partner/spouse
• Medical conditions
• Pregnancy complications

2. Labor environment:

• Atmosphere like lighting or music
• Number and names of allowed visitors
• Freedom of movement
• Using some equipment such as: birthing ball, shower or tub

3. Options for pain management:

• Natural pain management like breathing and massage
• Medical pain relief like intramuscular narcotics or epidural anesthesia
• Combination of both
• A lady should be able to change the pain management method anytime during labor

4. Delivery preferences:

• Positions such as squatting or lying on your side
• Delayed cord clamping
• Use of vacuum or forceps
• Skin to skin contact with the baby
• When to initiate breastfeeding

5. Decisions about care of the newborn:

• Breastfeeding or formula feeding
• Timing of newborn bathing
• Vitamin K injection
• Rooming-in with the baby VS nursery care

When is delivery plan formulated?

During the third trimester between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy

Who should be included in the plan?

• Healthcare providers (doctors, midwives)
• Partner
• Selected family members

Can the plan be changed?

Yes, flexibility is needed as anything new can happen throughout pregnancy and changes of the plan might become essential

It is important to keep the plan simple and clear so that it can be easier for the healthcare providers to read and understand during labor.

Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist