Timing of Birth
For all pregnancies, there's an optimal time for a baby to be born. If the pregnancy is healthy and progressing without any issues, then waiting for labour to begin on its own is the ideal plan.
Research has shown that every week that the baby continues to grow in utero makes a difference to both their short-term and long-term health and developmental outcomes. If a planned birth (by induction of labour or caesarean section) is needed, then ideally this should be planned as close to 40 weeks as possible.
If there are health concerns that might increase the risk of stillbirth, health care professionals should discuss how the timing of birth might reduce the risks, with the pregnancy continuing if it is safe for both the woman and the baby.
Health Professionals
- Timing of Birth Position Statement
- Every Week Counts Obstetrician brochure
- Timing of Birth: Part 1 - Discussing timing of birth and birth options Video
- Timing of Birth: Part 2 - Discussing stillbirth risk factors and timing of birth - Video
- Timing of Birth: Part 3 - Raising awareness of the risk of stillbirth in a sensitive manner - Video
For Families
Media Resources
Translated Resources
