12 Bible Verses For Labor And Birth: Scriptures That Brought Me Peace During My Homebirth (+ Free Printable Scripture Cards)
When I was preparing for my homebirth, I knew I needed God’s word to be the thing I focused on when labor became intense. I printed these verses and taped them on a board with photos of my family to look at for encouragement. When my husband and doula read them to me during contractions, it grounded me and reminded me I wasn’t birthing alone. These are the exact scriptures I used - along with a free printable you can bring into your own birth space.
Why Scripture Matters During Labor
Labor is 90% mental, and 10% what is happening to your body. Focusing on scripture during labor can help remind you of God’s presence as He holds you through each contraction, keeping you relaxed as you breathe instead of fight it. Your mind shapes your body. Having verses to repeat can anchor your thoughts when intensity rises, keeping you calm and focused on the joyous fact that you get to meet your baby soon.
My Experience Using Bible Verses During My Homebirth
When third trimester nesting started, I thought I would just have the overwhelming urge to get my house ready for my new baby, since it was my first time preparing my home to birth a baby in it. But a lot of my preparation for birth ended up being mental. I spent a lot of time in my Bible, because I knew I’d need to draw on the Lord’s strength when I finally went into labor. These 12 verses stood out to me as I read, and I practiced relaxing into them as I prayed and repeated them to myself. They’re beautiful examples of God’s faithfulness and how much He cares for us. I typed them up, printed, cut, and taped them on a poster board with a few photos and some fairy lights as part of preparing my home for the big day. When labor started, I brought it out to my living room and set it up where I could see it from the birth pool as I listened to my spotify playlist I’d created for a Christ-Centered Birth. Through each contraction I repeated them slowly, letting the words guide my breath and relax my muscles. It made a huge difference in staying present and trusting the process.
Bible Verses For Labor
2 Chronicles 15:7
“But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”
Isaiah 40:29
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ”
Psalms 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. ”
Psalms 46:5
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.”
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear”
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. ”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, ” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Luke 22:19
“This is my body, which is given for you.”
1 Corinthians 13:7
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.”
How To Use These Verses In Your Birth Space
Here are a few ways you can use these verses or the attached scripture cards:
Tape the cards up around your birth space
Read them aloud (or have your birth support partners read them to you!)
Add them to your birth playlist as spoken affirmations
Focus on one verse per contraction
Include them in your hospital bag
Free Printable Scripture Cards
I’ve created a downloadable PDF with all 12 verses I listed above so that you can easily bring them into your birth space!
Click here to download the free printable scripture cards for labor.
Printable is for personal use only.
Encouragement For Your Birth
No matter where or how you birth, God is with you in every wave, every breath, and every moment. Keep these verses close and trust the journey ahead. Your sweet baby will be here soon!
As a birth doula, I often share scripture and grounding tools with my clients. If you’re looking for faith based support in the College Station area for your pregnancy, birth, and beyond, I’d love to connect with you!
