You are 15 weeks and 5 days

Your doctor may talk to you about writing a birth plan, to get a sense of the labor and birth you'd like.

170 days until your due date

A birth plan tells the people caring for you what you'd like for your labor and birth. Writing one helps you think through things like pain relief and who you want at the birth, and gives you a chance to ask about procedures such as induction and other interventions. It also lets your birth partner know your wishes so they can pass them on to the doctor while you're in labor.

Circumstances may mean not all your preferences can be met, but you're more likely to get the labor and birth you want if you've thought it through and written your views down. Being as informed as possible about labor and your options will help you prepare.

Time to think about

Your birth plan

Scented candles, soothing music, and beanbags, or serious pain relief from the first contraction? A birth plan is a chance to think about how you'd like your labor and delivery to go. Discuss it with your doctor and birth partner as early as this week so you're all clear on your goals.

Write everything down: your birth partner(s), pain relief preferences, whether you'd like an active labor, and where you'd like to give birth, whether in hospital, at home, or in a birthing center with a homelike setting and medical backup.
Be specific: for example, you might want to labor in a birthing pool, give birth upright, or have minimal medical intervention.
Be flexible: labor doesn't always go to plan, and your baby's safe delivery is what matters most.

Ask a Doctor

I have dry eyes and find it hard to wear my contact lenses. What can I do?

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can make your eyes feel dry, burning, itchy, or as if something is under the lid. It's common in pregnancy and after menopause, when hormones fluctuate similarly.

It seems to be caused by changes in the makeup and amount of your tears, leaving the eye poorly lubricated. "Artificial tears" from an optician or pharmacist can help, and it usually goes away after the birth. Meanwhile, wear your lenses less and your glasses more, especially if you spend long periods at a computer.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.