The second stage commences when your cervix has fully dilated (reached 10cm) and extends until your baby is delivered. This phase involves crucial considerations, as your baby begins their descent through the birth canal.
Choose a comfortable pushing position
Your midwife or healthcare professional will assist you in identifying a position that aids the process. Depending on your preference and whether you experience pelvic pain, you might opt for pushing while seated, standing, kneeling, or being on all fours. Squatting can be effective, though not every woman finds it comfortable. Before heading to the hospital, experimenting with positions at home can help you determine the most comfortable choice.
Start pushing
The urge to push arises as soon as your cervix reaches full dilation. This enables your baby to navigate the birth canal, generating pressure on your pelvis. Note that if you’ve had an epidural, you might not experience this urge. The pushing phase can span from a few minutes to three hours, typically averaging around 45 minutes.
During each contraction, you will initiate pushing. While the baby gradually descends they may retreat slightly with each push. As your baby’s head nears emergence, your midwife will instruct you to pause pushing and breathe gently, facilitating a smoother descent. This affords your skin time to stretch. In certain instances, the doctor might propose an episiotomy (a minor cut to the perineum) to expedite the process. We recommend opting for this only if there’s a potential risk to you or your baby.
Once the head emerges, the remainder of the body usually follows within the subsequent contractions.
Baby’s arrival – what comes next?
Upon successfully delivering your baby, the second stage of labour concludes. You should be able to hold your baby immediately and engage in skin-to-skin contact. This moment also presents an ideal opportunity to initiate breastfeeding. Ideally, the first feeding should occur within the initial hour after birth.
