You've probably realised that being pregnant involves lots of decisions and a pretty big one of these is exactly where you'll be giving birth and what kind of birthing experience you would like.
Depending on the type of pregnancy you've had and even where you live, your birthing choices will vary. But to give you an idea of what your options could be, we've round up all the relevant information you need to help you make a decision for your birth plan.
Where can I give birth?
The hospital
The majority of women will give birth in an NHS hospital maternity unit where you'll be looked after by midwives generally with doctors on hand if necessary. Giving birth at a hospital will be necessary for women who will be having a C-section, but you can also have a natural birth at the hospital. Being at the hospital also gives you access to obstetricians, anaesthetists and specialists in newborn care, should you need them.
A midwifery unit or birth centre
As the name suggests, midwife-led birth centres are run by midwives and aim to provide a more natural birthing experience, with no medical intervention.
There are two kinds of midwife-led birthing centres: stand-alone birth centres and wards attached to hospitals. In both cases, all care is carried out by midwives who are experts in childbirth with all the skills to help you deliver your baby in a straightforward pregnancy. Many women have positive midwife led unit stories to tell.
At home
Some women don't opt for a home birth but sometimes baby can arrive quickly, and it can make for a nicer birthing experience. When having a home birth, you have all the comforts of your own environment and some people often choose this for their second child, so they don't have to rush arranging childcare for their first.
It's worth noting that you can also have a water birth at home, you just need to hire or buy a birthing pool.
How can I give birth?
Water birth
Having become increasingly popular over recent years, the National Childbirth Trust reports that now almost 10 per cent of UK babies are born underwater.
A water birth is safe for both you and baby and can help you to relax, ease pain and take the weight of your bump while you push.
Vaginal birth
A vaginal birth is about letting nature take its course without being in a pool or taking pain relief and just leaving your body to do it's thing without any interventions. Of course, while many mums plan to give birth in this way, it's not always possible due to complications during, or before birth.
C-Section
While it may not be many people's first choice, a lot of babies are born via C-section. Sometimes mums can opt for one which is know as an elective C-section, especially if they've had one previously. Other times, C-sections can be medically advised.
While it might not be a choice you are considering, it's worth knowing about C-sections as you could end up having an emergency C-section following an antenatal appointment, or during the delivery room.
Assisted birth
When it comes to those final stages of labour and that last big push to bring your baby into the world, you may be offered or need a little extra help in getting baby out safely. It's important to know more about forcep births and ventouse in birth and how they might be able to help you if you're reaching the point of exhaustion.
How to choose where to give birth
While there is no definitive answer to this, it's important you and your birth partner are on the same page. You should talk to your birthing partner about your options and weigh up the positives and negatives.
Your midwife is your best port of call to chat to about what is available to you personally as unfortunately, sometimes the clinical support you require will rule out certain options such as a home birth, for example if you opted for an elective C-section.
Don't forget to make use of friends and family who have given birth too, and find out what their experiences were. But don't worry if what you are leaning towards is different. Every birth and every baby is different, so not every birth experience will be the same.
Whatever you decide, it has to be right for you and it's worth noting you can change your mind during your pregnancy, just remember to keep those involved with the birth updated on your choices.
Deciding how to give birth
Once you've decided where you want to give birth, you may also want to consider exactly how you want to give birth. When creating a birth plan, you need to make sure it includes your preferred place of birth, along with whether you'd want a water birth or a natural birth etc.
It's always best to prepare for your labour, so if it helps, you can write multiple options down in an order of preference. This way, when you go into labour, you can decide in the moment if you'd rather opt for your first or second option. Just remember that having more than one birth plan isn't important if you don't want more than one.
Remember to keep your birthing plan in your hospital bag too.
What factors should I consider?
60 per cent of women end up giving birth at the place of their choice, so it's wise to really sit down and think about what you want. Here are a few factors to consider...
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How far will you need to travel to get to the destination? You won't want to go far!
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What pain relief options will be available?
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If you really want a water birth, are there facilities so this is possible?
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Is your partner able to stay?
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Who will be looking after you during your pregnancy and the labour?
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What care can you expect post-birth? Will there be breastfeeding support if this is something you'd like?
What pain management options are there?
While you might want to have a natural birth, it's worth noting that there are pain relief options for birth if you need them. Every birth is different, so you might change your mind on what you want when you are in labour, which is why it's good to know everything before hand.
Paracetamol
Easy to take at home in the early stages of labour, it can help take the edge off some of the pain when you're having your contractions and can be taken every four hours. Remember to follow the guidelines on the packet.
TENS machine
Helping to relieve labour pain, a TENS machines is a small portable device which delivers tiny electrical shocks to the body. They're often helpful for the early stages of labour and can be used at home or packed in your hospital bag.
Gas and air
Known as a natural pain relief during labour, gas and air is available for nearly all birthing choices. It's easy to use, you simply put the mouthpiece between your lips or teeth and breathe deeply and evenly until you feel slightly light-headed then take it away.
Pethidine
A really strong pain relief form that's given in the early stages of labour, Pethidine blocks the pain receptors to your brain to help you relax through strong contractions. It does have some disadvantages too, so it's worth reading about this form of pain relief so you're completely aware of all the positives and negatives.
Epidural
Injected into your back through a fine tube, an Epidural is a strong form of pain relief that can allow you to rest during in labour. It can also help you to feel calmer, and if given early enough can be topped up throughout your labour.
Hypnobirthing techniques
Becoming more commonly used for births, hypnobirthing techniques involve a combination of mindfulness and hypnosis to remove some of the fear around childbirth and create a better birthing experience. There are plenty of books and apps on hypnobirthing that you can get to help give you techniques to cope with the birthing experience.
Why is it important to know my birthing options?
It's extremely important to know about the different birthing options and places you can give birth, so that you can make an informed decision on how you want your birth to go. It's also important as if there are any changes to your birth plan, you are aware of the other choices that you have so you can make a choice that's right for you and your baby.
Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.