Welcome to mothernity’s trusted guide on getting ready for birth. The third trimester is a time for active preparation, shifting your focus from growth to delivery. This resource consolidates all the critical knowledge you need, from selecting your birth setting to understanding medical procedures, ensuring you feel informed, confident, and ready for your baby’s arrival.
This guide is designed to empower your birth choices and help you prepare practically and emotionally. All information aligns with current UK maternity care guidelines.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical consultation. Labour and birth procedures must always be discussed and confirmed with your NHS midwife or consultant.
Your preparation begins with informed choices about the setting and method of your delivery. These decisions heavily influence your physical and emotional experience of labour.
In the UK, you have several excellent options for where to give birth. The key is understanding the level of medical intervention and accessibility each setting provides. We detail the pros and cons of giving birth at home, a midwife-led home centre birth, and a full hospital birth, helping you weigh comfort against medical availability. Your choice should reflect your risk profile and personal preferences.
It is important to educate yourself on all possibilities well ahead of time. While many plan for a vaginal birth, knowing the full picture helps you navigate unexpected changes. We provide a neutral, factual guide detailing the differences and common scenarios for Vaginal birth vs. C-section deliveries. This knowledge helps you understand the medical context, should your plan need to change during labour.
Understanding the procedures your care team may offer – or that you may request – is crucial for your confidence and ability to consent during labour. Knowledge reduces the fear of the unknown.
Knowing what your body is doing at each stage empowers you to manage pain and advocate for yourself. Our full guide outlines the signs and stages of labour, from the often-long latent phase through to the active and transitional stages. Recognising the subtle and obvious cues allows you to feel present in the experience rather than overwhelmed.
If your pregnancy goes past your due date, or if a medical need arises, your care team may discuss methods to initiate or speed up labour. These procedures include the use of prostaglandins and the artificial rupture of membranes. We explain the process, risks, and typical timelines for induction of labour. Additionally, we detail the specifics of a Membrane sweep, which can sometimes encourage the onset of labour naturally without chemical induction.
Physical readiness goes beyond exercise. We detail techniques designed to support the tissues involved in delivery, such as Perineal massage in pregnancy, and how to safely practice positions and breathing. We recommend obtaining and practising with tools like a birth ball to optimise comfort and position during the early stages of labour.
Communication is your most powerful tool in the delivery room. Having your needs and preferences documented is essential for a positive birthing experience.
Your prenatal appointments are valuable time to clarify doubts and solidify your birth plan. To help you prepare, we have compiled the 17 birth questions to ask your midwife, covering everything from pain relief options to feeding support immediately after delivery. Take this list to your next appointment to ensure every concern is addressed.
The birth plan acts as your clear communication tool for your care team, detailing your preferences for labour, delivery, and immediate postnatal care. Having a clear, well-researched plan significantly reduces stress. We provide a thorough guide on what to include and how to discuss your wishes with your midwife.
Download our free Birth Plan Template here
While the emotional and medical preparation is primary, having the right gear supports your comfort. We highlight essential, non-medical items that aid in the labour process itself, such as a TENS machine for pain management and comfortable clothes.
Feeling in control means feeling informed. By utilising this getting ready for birth checklist and guide, you have prepared for the choices, the procedures, and the emotions of the big day.
Visit our Pregnancy Page| Visit our Pain Relief in Labour area for in-depth medication advice.
Hello, beautiful mama-to-be! As you embark on this incredible journey toward motherhood, one thing you might be contemplating is your birth plan. Crafting a birth plan is like creating a roadmap for the big day – a personalized guide that helps you navigate the twists and turns of labour and delivery. Today, let’s dive into […]
The ultimate birth plan template Read More »
Vaginal births have traditionally been the primary method of giving birth. In recent times, there has been a significant rise in c-sections.
Vaginal birth vs. C-section Read More »
If you’re undergoing a cesarean section (c-section), whether it’s planned or an emergency situation, let’s explore what it involves and what to expect during the procedure.
9 out of 10 women will suffer from some type of tearing or an episiotomy during child birth.
Perineal massage in pregnancy Read More »
In instances where labour doesn’t occur naturally or if pregnancy complications arise, your midwife or doctor might propose labour induction.
Induction of labour Read More »
