Useful resources
Tommy’s provides comprehensive guidance for expectant parents on all aspects of childbirth, including:
Options for where to give birth (e.g., hospital, home, birth centre) and who can be present.
Recognizing signs of labour and understanding the stages, including the latent phase.
Pain relief options, support from midwives or doulas, and what to expect.
Information on planned and emergency caesareans, recovery, and future pregnancies after a c-section.
When and why induction might be recommended, and what it involves.
Special circumstances
Guidance for giving birth to multiples
Wellbeing support
A tool to create a personalised pregnancy and a post-birth wellbeing plan from Tommy's - to help parents prepare emotionally and physically for life after birth.
There's also an NHS webpage on labour and birth to help expectant parents understand and prepare for childbirth, covering:
Birth plan: Advice on creating a birth plan that outlines preferences for labour, pain relief, and support.
What to pack in your hospital bag for you and your baby.
Early signs: Includes backache, cramps, and waters breaking.
When to call: Guidance on when to contact your midwife or hospital.
Stages of labour: Explains the three stages; early labour, active labour, and delivery of the placenta.