This guide offers a list of questions you may want to discuss with your healthcare providers during pregnancy when creating your birth plan. You don’t need to ask everything at once—start with the questions that feel most important to you, and bring up a few at each prenatal visit.

While your birth may unfold differently than planned, a thoughtful, well-crafted birth plan can spark meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider and support people ahead of time, helping you advocate for the experience and care you want.

Informed consent isn’t just a signature on a form—it’s an ongoing conversation. You deserve time to ask questions, explore your birthing options, and have a medical team that respects and supports your role in every decision. Think of your birth plan as a communication tool—a written summary of your labor and delivery preferences that helps keep communication open, clear, and collaborative throughout your care.

Before Your Labor Begins

What is your approach to due dates and postdates management?

Why ask: To understand how proactive or flexible your provider is with inductions once you're approaching or past your due date.

Things to know: Some care providers suggest induction around 39 weeks to lower the chance of certain complications that sometimes develop later in pregnancy, even when both you and your baby are healthy. Others prefer to monitor and wait for labor to begin on its own, as long as everything looks reassuring. 

Optional follow-up: “How do you manage patients who go past their due date? At what point do you recommend induction, and are there options for monitoring instead?”

What is your general induction protocol, and are you open to using natural methods first (such as nipple stimulation, membrane sweeps, acupuncture, etc.)?

Why ask: This helps you understand your provider’s philosophy—whether they tend to recommend medical induction early or prefer to explore less invasive options first when it’s safe to do so.

Things to know: Induction often involves additional interventions during labor that can influence how the birth of your baby unfolds and may impact your early breastfeeding experience. Talking through your different options ahead of time helps you and your care team find a plan that supports both your birthing experience and feeding goals.

Optional follow-up: “How many days past my due date do you typically allow before recommending medical induction?”

What is your approach if my water breaks before labor begins? How would my Group B Strep (GBS) status affect that plan?

Why ask: To understand your provider's timeline for intervention and how your GBS status might influence their recommendations.

Things to know: If your water has been broken for an extended period of time (usually 18 hours or more), the risk of infection or fever increases. If you are GBS positive, your care team may take a more cautious approach to reduce infection risk. If you test negative, there may be more flexibility about waiting for labor to start naturally. Knowing your GBS status ahead of time helps you and your provider plan safely and confidently.

Optional follow-up: “Do you recommend waiting at home for labor to begin, or coming in right away?”

What happens in case you’re not available when I go into labor? Who is your backup, and will they be informed of my birth plan and preferences?

Why ask: Many OBs and midwives work in group practices. Knowing who might attend your birth and whether they are familiar with your preferences can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Things to know: Some practices encourage seeing multiple providers during prenatal visits so you can get familiar with different team members. This approach helps you feel more comfortable if your primary provider isn’t available during labor and ensures that any backup provider is already aware of your preferences and goals.

Optional follow-up: “Will I have a chance to meet any covering providers beforehand?”

Common Labor Interventions

How is fetal monitoring typically handled in your practice—especially for low-risk, unmedicated births? Are wireless monitors or intermittent Doppler checks an option?

Why ask: Fewer restrictions on movement during labor can support comfort, mobility, and more natural labor progress. Understanding your monitoring options helps you plan for the childbirth experience you want and incorporate your preferences into your birth plan.

Things to know: Some providers use continuous electronic fetal monitoring for everyone, while others offer intermittent checks or wireless monitors for low-risk patients. Your choice of labor pain management and any risk factors may influence which monitoring approach is recommended.

Optional follow-up: “Will the type of monitoring depend on whether I choose medication or have any risk factors?”

How do you feel about eating and drinking in labor?

Why ask: Many hospitals have restrictions, but current evidence supports allowing light food and fluids for most low-risk patients. Knowing your provider’s approach can help you plan for comfort and energy during labor.

Things to know: Some providers encourage sips of water, clear liquids, or light snacks, while others follow stricter hospital policies. Discussing this ahead of time ensures your preferences are understood and can help you stay nourished and hydrated during labor.

Optional follow-up: “Do you allow oral intake during labor for low-risk patients?”

How do you feel about the use of IV fluids or saline-locks in labor?

Why ask: Some hospitals routinely require IVs, which can limit your freedom to move and change positions during labor. Understanding your provider’s approach helps you plan for mobility and comfort.

Things to know: Many low-risk patients can labor safely without a continuous IV. Some providers offer a saline-lock (an IV line inserted but not continuously running) as a compromise, allowing access if needed while still supporting movement and mobility. Discussing this ahead of time helps you maintain flexibility while ensuring safety.

Optional follow-up: “Do you routinely require an IV or saline-lock, and can I opt out if I’m low-risk and prefer not to have one?”

If I choose to labor without pain relief medication, how do you and your team support that choice?

Why ask: Understanding your provider and hospital culture can help you feel confident that your preference for an unmedicated birth will be respected and supported.

Things to know: Many hospitals have nurses and staff trained in natural comfort measures such as movement, hydrotherapy, massage, breathing techniques, and using a birth ball. Discussing this ahead of time ensures that your care team can provide encouragement and options tailored to the preferences you've included in your birth plan.

Optional follow-up: “Are nurses trained and supportive of natural comfort measures? Are doulas allowed and encouraged to be present throughout labor and birth?”

What strategies do you use to reduce tearing during birth?

Why ask: Certain approaches during pushing can help reduce perineal trauma and improve birth outcomes. Understanding your provider’s techniques helps you plan for a birth that feels safe and supported.

Things to know: Providers may use methods such as perineal massage, mineral oil, counter-pressure with a warm compress, or a hands-off approach. Research supports the benefits of a hands-off technique for many patients, but it’s helpful to know what your doctor or midwife routinely practices.

Optional follow-up: “Are there specific positions or pushing techniques you recommend to help minimize tearing?”

What is your approach to episiotomies?

Why ask: Episiotomies are surgical incisions and should be used only when absolutely necessary. Knowing your provider’s approach helps you understand when and why one might be recommended.

Things to know: Current guidelines recommend episiotomies be reserved for situations such as fetal distress or complicated deliveries. Routine use is generally discouraged, as most births do not require it. Understanding your provider’s philosophy can help you feel informed and empowered.

Optional follow-up: “How often do you perform episiotomies, and in what situations would you consider one necessary?”

How Pushing is Encouraged

If I choose to push instinctively rather than with directed coaching, are you and your team comfortable supporting that approach?

Why ask: This allows you to express your preference for natural, instinct-driven pushing unless medical intervention becomes necessary.

Things to know: If you labor without medication, your body usually gives natural cues for when to push, and you may not need coaching. Many mothers choose to push intuitively while requesting support from the team to slow or adjust technique to reduce tearing. For those with epidurals, the team typically provides guidance on when and how to push to help labor progress safely. Discussing your preferences ahead of time ensures your team can support you appropriately.

Optional follow-up: “How would you guide me if slowing down is recommended to reduce tearing?”

I may want to push while squatting, on all fours, or standing. Are you comfortable supporting me with these options?

Why ask: Understanding your provider’s and staff’s experience with different positions helps you know what support is realistic and available during your birth.

Things to know: Including the positions you may want to try in your birth plan helps your team and ensures you can use your preferred positions safely. Many facilities offer valuable tools like birthing stools, bars, or balls to support various positions, but availability can vary.

Optional follow-up: "Are tools like a birthing stool or squatting bar available at this facility?"

Your Baby's Birth

Assuming there are no complications, would you be comfortable with my birth partner or me catching the baby during delivery?

Why ask: If being involved in the birth in this way is part of your ideal plan, it’s important to clarify your provider’s comfort level and the hospital’s policy ahead of time.

Things to know: Many providers and hospitals allow parents to catch their baby when it’s safe, with guidance and support from your care team. Discussing this in advance helps ensure your wishes are honored when possible.

Optional follow-up: “Are there any specific requirements or conditions that would prevent me or my partner from catching the baby?”

Will I have uninterrupted skin-to-skin time after birth, assuming no medical concerns?

Why ask: Early skin-to-skin supports bonding, helps regulate your baby’s temperature and heart rate, and encourages successful breastfeeding.

Things to know: Many hospitals and providers support immediate skin-to-skin for at least the first hour after birth, often referred to as the "Golden Hour." Discussing this ahead of time ensures your wishes are clear to your team.

Optional follow-up: “Can newborn procedures (weighing, assessments, etc.) be delayed or done while the baby is on my chest?”

How do you feel about delayed cord clamping?

Why ask: Delayed cord clamping can improve your baby’s blood volume and iron stores and may support a smoother transition after birth. Asking ahead of time helps clarify your provider’s usual practice and flexibility.

Things to know: Providers may follow different guidelines, but current recommendations suggest delaying clamping for at least 30–60 seconds for vigorous term and preterm infants. Including your preferred timing in your birth plan ensures your healthcare team knows your wishes for clamping and cutting the cord.

Optional follow-up: “Would it be possible to keep the cord intact until it stops pulsating, and how would you support that?”

I would like to save my baby's cord blood. Can you tell me about your experience with that process, and whether it might impact any of my other birth preferences?

Why ask: Cord blood collection requires coordination with your care team and may influence timing for delayed cord clamping or other immediate newborn practices. Clarifying how it fits into your birth plan helps you prepare.

Things to know: If you plan to bank your baby’s cord blood, arrangements with the cord blood service should be made before birth. This ensures the team is ready and the process is seamless.

Optional follow-up: “Who performs the cord blood collection, and how do you coordinate timing to allow for some delayed clamping?”

Delivery of the Placenta

What is your approach to the third stage of labor—do you allow the placenta to deliver spontaneously or routinely use Pitocin or other interventions?

Why ask: Understanding your provider’s approach and flexibility helps you know what to expect and how your preferences can be incorporated during this stage.

Things to know: Some providers allow the placenta to deliver naturally, while others may use gentle traction or medications like Pitocin to assist. Many hospitals have policies that involve Pitocin after birth to prevent excessive bleeding, while your provider monitors blood loss and the placenta’s delivery. Pitocin can cause stronger postpartum contractions, which may influence comfort and early breastfeeding.

Optional follow-up: “Under what circumstances would you use Pitocin, and can the placenta deliver spontaneously if there are no complications?”

If a Cesarean Delivery is Recommended

How do you define a “failed” labor or “failure to progress”?

Why ask: This helps you understand how long your OB allows labor to unfold before recommending surgery or intervention.

Things to know: Definitions of “failed” labor vary. Some providers may recommend a cesarean after several hours with no cervical change, while others may allow more time for progress. Discussing this ahead of time clarifies your provider’s thresholds and philosophy.

Optional follow-up: “How many hours of no cervical change would lead you to recommend a cesarean or other intervention?”

What is your cesarean rate, and what are the most common reasons you recommend cesarean births?

Why ask: This helps assess your provider’s philosophy and approach to intervention.

Things to know: Cesarean section can be a life-saving option when needed, but it’s also a major surgery with recovery considerations. Understanding your provider’s approach and how often they recommend cesareans helps you anticipate what might happen and discuss your preferences in advance. A very high cesarean rate (over 30–35% for low-risk pregnancies) may suggest more aggressive intervention.

Optional follow-up: “How does your approach help lower the risk of unnecessary cesarean births for low-risk patients?”

Do you offer or support a Gentle Cesarean?

Why ask: A gentle cesarean is designed to promote bonding, help you feel more connected during the birth process, and support early breastfeeding in the delivery room. Documenting your preferences in your birth plan helps ensure your wishes are honored when possible.

Things to know: Techniques include placing IVs, blood pressure cuffs, and monitor leads in less obtrusive spots, and delaying non-urgent newborn procedures to encourage skin-to-skin and early breastfeeding, all contributing to a calm and supportive birthing environment.

Optional follow-up: “What elements of a gentle cesarean do you offer, and how flexible is your team in implementing them?”

What are my options for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)?

Why ask: Your provider should review your medical history, previous births, and current health to help you make an informed decision about future pregnancies.

Things to know: As many as 70% of women successfully give birth vaginally after 1–2 prior cesarean births. Discussing VBAC early allows you to plan future pregnancies with confidence.

Optional follow-up: “What factors would influence my eligibility for a VBAC, and how do you support mothers choosing this option?”

Postpartum Provider Support

Can you tell me about your typical plan for postpartum care? When will I see you after my hospital stay?

Why ask: Understanding your provider’s postpartum plan helps you know what kind of support and follow-up to expect during recovery.

Things to know: While the standard follow-up for uncomplicated vaginal births is usually around six weeks, current expert recommendations emphasize multiple visits over the first 12 weeks postpartum. Early and regular check-ins allow you to monitor both physical and emotional recovery, address concerns promptly, and request referrals to specialists such as pelvic floor physical therapists or lactation consultants, improving overall health and quality of life.

Optional follow-up: “What is your typical schedule for postpartum visits, and when should I reach out sooner if I have concerns or need additional support?”

Making Your Birth Plan Work for You

Every birth is unique, and having these conversations with your provider can help you make informed choices that honor your preferences, comfort, and values. Your birth plan is a guide for the type of birth you hope to have, while keeping flexibility for the unexpected. Sharing your plan, asking questions, and understanding your provider’s approach helps create a supportive environment that honors your birth experience, supports your baby’s health, and ensures you feel prepared to welcome your little one into your arms.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical advice. For personalized recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultant.