Inducing Labour - Planning your Pregnancy

Female 1: You have been preparing for your little ones since the day you saw that positive pregnancy test, but have you thought about the natural process of giving birth?

Female 2: Today, pregnant women have more delivery options than ever. Where and how you have your baby are largely up to you. So good to know your options and work with your doctor to create a plan for d-day.

When planning your pregnancy, one of your first considerations will be birthing location. Most women in the United States choose to give birth in a hospital. Usually overseen by an ob-gyn. This environment is always recommended for high-risk pregnancies and women carrying multiples. It is also the only place that offers caesarean sections and epidurals. Of course, hospitals have their drawbacks. You are not likely to have much privacy and you maybe bound by hospital policies that you do not like such as occasional separations from your baby. For these reasons, some women choose to deliver at home. This option which is usually overseen by a certified midwife offers you the most control and allows you to be comfortable in familiar surroundings. This is not, however, a good option if you live farther than 30 traffic-free minutes from the nearest hospital or if you have a high-risk pregnancy. If you are looking for a happy medium for your delivery, you may want to consider an independent birthing centers staffed by certified nurses, midwives, or doctors. These centers can be associated with hospitals, but are cozier and less expensive.

Like a home birth though, birthing centers do not offer pain relief or C-sections, so they are not for everyone. Once you know where you will deliver your baby, you will want to decide how you will do so; be a natural child birth or with pain medication. Will you require a C-section? Your doctor will discuss these options with you as you create your birthing plan. If you and your doctor decide that a vaginal birth is bet for you, you will also have options about the best physicians, in which to labor and deliver. You can choose from any number of positions, including standing, squatting, sitting or lying on your side. You can even use aids like birthing balls which are easier than squatting. No matter what position you choose, to labor and deliver, remember that it must be comfortable for you. Whether you are preparing for your first baby or an experienced pro, having a birthing plan can help ensure that your child enters the world in a way you envisioned.

Female 1: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.


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