In 60 seconds
Your short plan for this week
Turn birth wishes into a one-page preference note covering communication, pain relief, support, mobility, newborn contact and what matters if plans change.
Late visits may cover baby position, birth setting, labour signs, tests and options if pregnancy continues past the due date.
Do not let a template pressure you into choices you do not understand; ask what each option means in your actual birth setting.
What you may notice
Your body and how you may feel
Appointments may include discussion of position, birth setting, labour signs and any late-pregnancy tests your doctor recommends.
What is happening
Baby’s development this week
Many babies move toward a head-down position, although position and timing vary.
Plain-language examples
What this means in real life
Birth preferences guide a conversation; they are not a pass/fail script. Consent and explanation still matter when the plan changes.
A short checklist
What to do now
- Turn birth wishes into a one-page preference note covering communication, pain relief, support, mobility, newborn contact and what matters if plans change.
- Discuss birth preferences, feeding support and early recovery.
- Notice your baby's usual movement pattern and act promptly on a clear change.
Pause and check
What not to do—or what to ask first
- Do not let a template pressure you into choices you do not understand; ask what each option means in your actual birth setting.
What may be coming up
Appointments, tests and decisions
Late visits may cover baby position, birth setting, labour signs, tests and options if pregnancy continues past the due date.
Write flexible birth preferences
Record what matters to you while allowing plans to change for safety or preference.
Discuss feeding support
Learn how feeding support is accessed and how to get help early, whichever feeding path you use.
Review pregnancy vaccinations
Confirm current and seasonal recommendations with your clinician.
Save the route and urgent contacts
Know where to go, how to get there and whom to call day or night.
For the support person
One useful thing a partner can do
- Read the preference note, understand the priorities and practise asking for explanation without speaking over the pregnant person.
Contact your care team
Contact your doctor or maternity team promptly
Some concerns need advice before the next routine appointment even when they do not feel like an emergency. If a symptom becomes severe, sudden or frightening, use urgent care instead.
See when to contact careUrgent or emergency
Urgent signs during pregnancy or within a year after birth
Get medical care immediately for these symptoms. The list is not exhaustive; if something feels seriously wrong, seek help.
Open urgent warning signs