Second stage and the birth

The second stage and the birth

Once your cervix is dilated to the full 10cm, you can begin to push. This is called the second stage of labour. Some women feel an urge to push earlier and will be assisted by their midwife to try and breathe through until the last part of cervix disappears. They may suggest position changes. They may perform a vaginal exam to confirm the cervix is all gone and again during the second stage to ensure that baby is descending with your pushes. You may find that you are more comfortable in an upright position when pushing, allowing gravity to help your baby descend into the pelvis. Try kneeling with your arms and shoulders resting on either the edge of the birth pool (if you are having a water birth) or on a chair or bed. Some women find that standing with one leg elevated on something can help as well. With every contraction your baby will move lower in your pelvis.

Most women get a strong urge to push with each contraction; your LMC will guide you through the pushing stage if needed. If you have an epidural you may need some guidance from your midwife if you do not feel the pressure of the contractions. Many women poo as they are pushing. Don’t be embarrassed, it is a sign you are pushing well!  As your baby is about to be born, your LMC may tell you not to push, but to pant or breathe. This allows the baby’s head to be born gently. You may feel what some refer to as the ‘ring of fire’ as your baby’s head crowns. Your last pushes will birth your baby’s shoulders and the rest of their body. Your baby will be placed skin to skin on your chest or stomach.