NHS Birth & Labour Guide (UK)
Prepare for labour and birth with our NHS-approved guide covering stages of labour, pain relief options, and hospital bag checklist.
Get Your Complete NHS Birth & Labour Guide
Instant download with labour stages, pain relief options and hospital bag checklist
NHS Birthing Plan Template
Official NHS birthing plan template to help you prepare for labour and communicate your preferences to healthcare providers.
- ✓NHS-approved format
- ✓Printable high-quality PDF
Ultimate NHS Hospital Bag Checklist
Comprehensive NHS checklist of what to pack in your hospital bag for labour and postnatal stay.
- ✓For mum, baby and birth partner
- ✓Printable checklist
NHS Guide to Labour Stages (UK)
First Stage
Early labour through to active labour and transition.
- Early labour: Mild contractions, 30-60 sec, 5-30 min apart
- Active labour: Strong contractions, 45-60 sec, 3-5 min apart
- Transition: Very strong contractions, 60-90 sec, 1-3 min apart
Second Stage
Pushing and birth of your baby.
- Strong urge to push
- Baby moves down birth canal
- Crowning and birth
Third Stage
Delivery of the placenta.
- Mild contractions continue
- Placenta detaches from uterine wall
- Placenta is delivered