A birth plan helps your midwife understand your needs, wishes and expectations about giving birth. And although it is not essential to have one, a birth plan can help you feel more confident and in control when you go into the delivery ward. Over 70% of women now make a birth plan. Tips for making a birth plan:

How you feel about the induction or acceleration of labour
Whether you want to be active during birth
Who you want with you during labour
Whether you would like the option of a birthing pool for labour and birth
What pain relief you would like if any.