Birth Days

Programme Outline

Theme 1: Reactions and adjustments to being pregnant
00.00 - 06.24
Karen and Dale live together and have one child. They are surprised to find that Karen is pregnant as they've only had sex once recently, and that was during Karen's period. Anna is 24 and in spite of using protection, discovers she's pregnant after a brief encounter with an ex-boyfriend with whom she'd previously had a long-term relationship. Beverley and Simon have two children, are mid-thirties and career orientated. Simon is on the waiting list for a vasectomy when Beverley discovers her unplanned pregnancy and is 'devastated'. Christine is 41 and already has four children aged between 14 and 24. She and Sammy have been partners for five years and want to have a child together but haven't been able to conceive. They are saving for IVF treatment when she discovers she's pregnant.

Theme 2: Managing pregnancy and planning for the future
06.25 - 14.52
The programme explores the feelings and emotions of all those involved, from initial reactions to thoughts on how life will change after the baby is born. The community midwife believes in men being involved. She and other health professionals provide important information about the physical changes that occur as pregnancy progresses, stressing the importance of physical health, emotional wellbeing and planning for the birth. Planning is also emphasised in relation to finance, managing work and childcare, and other practicalities such as where the baby is going to sleep, equipment, and baby clothes.

Theme 3: Birth plans and after
14.53 - 24.00
The four women make different choices about giving birth and have different expectations and experiences. Each assesses how their feelings have changed over the period of the pregnancy, how they feel about their baby and how they have changed as individuals. The parents express their hopes for their new baby's future.