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Pregnancy & childbirth
Finding out you’re pregnant is a very emotional moment. It may have been planned, it may be a surprise, you may have wanted to get pregnant and now be less sure, whatever your situation it’s important to take time to think about what’s best for you. If you’re pregnant and are uncertain about whether it’s what you want, it may help to talk to someone. Here are some support services.
www.bpas.org
Offers counselling to 50,000 women a year. This useful website includes what to do if you’re worried you might be pregnant, what to do if you’re pregnant and don’t know what to do, what to do if you think you want an adoption or abortion. It helps you explore choices by prompting you to look at your future hopes and plans, how you feel about being pregnant and your values and lists useful contacts.
Care Centres Network
www.careconfidential.com
This site lists counselling care centres which offer counselling on pre and post abortion, miscarriage, etc. You can talk confidentially to a counsellor and find your closest centre on their map.
If, or when, you’re sure you want to keep the baby, you may want to think about a birthplan.
Writing a Birthplan
Once you've thought about the birth, and discussed your options with the midwife and other parents, write a letter saying what you want. Try to avoid too much detail - some of it may get forgotten. So it's best to describe the approach you want and then add three or four points you feel strongly about. But be careful - if you state that you don't want an epidural, they may not give you one at the birth if you change your mind. Here are some things to think about.
- If you have a slow labour would you like it speeded up?
- What about pain relief? What sort do you want?
- Would you like to choose your own position on the day? Would you like to move about?
- How about food? Do you want to eat and drink when you fancy it?
- How about the delivery? Do you want to push from an upright position, standing up, lying on your side? Do you want help to avoid an episiotomy or tear?
- After the delivery, do you want your baby cleaned up before it's given to you?
- Would you like the medical staff to tell you the sex or do you want to look and see for yourself?
- Do you like the sound of a "gentle birth"? You may be able to have low lighting and no unnecessary chatter.
- Do you mind if students are present during labour?
- How about if you have a caesarean under epidural?
- Do you want music, the radio or your own personal stereo?
For information see:
www.nct.org.uk
www.homebirth.org.uk
positivebirth.org
www.positivebirth.org
This site introduces 'Doulas'. Doulas are women who support other women through pregnancy, childbirth and labour. Many Doulas are willing and able to work for reduced fees or free for people on low incomes.
Disclaimer
All content in the Healthy Ideas section is for general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health. SPAN is not responsible or liable for any actions taken by a user of this site. SPAN is not liable for the contents of any external sites listed, nor does it endorse any advice, products or services mentioned on these sites.
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