Preparing for childbirth | National Institute of Public Health of Quebec

In this case, childbirth is defined as the process leading to the birth of a baby. This process begins at the start of labor, either with the loss of water or with regular and sustained uterine contractions; it includes the birth of the baby, naturally or by cesarean section; and ends with delivery of the placenta.

Preparation for childbirth, for its part, is considered any practice that a person uses to prepare for childbirth, whether or not it involves a perinatal care worker.

For example, a pregnant woman reading the guide Living better with our child to learn about the reasons that lead to a cesarean section or ways to reduce pain during childbirth adopts a practice of preparation for childbirth, just like future parents who participate in a prenatal meeting on childbirth.

The information provided in this file is part of a perinatal health promotion and prevention perspective. For example, the relevance of providing information on pain management before childbirth is named, but detailed ways to manage pain are not presented, as this is clinical information.

The information is intended for perinatal care providers offering direct support to women preparing to give birth and also for people responsible for organizing programs and services related to preparation for childbirth.

The detailed methodology for the file is available.