The Second Stage of labour - Pushing and Delivery

In this articleSummary - The second, more active phase of labourWhat happens in the second stageHow long does it lastHow can I help in the progressHow will this stage endI wonder how my baby survived the journey through the birth canalSummary - The second, more active phase of labour This phase averages about 2 - 31/2 hours of more concentrated labour. The contractions are now more intense and come every 3-4 minutes, lasting for 40-60 seconds. By the time the cervix dilates to about 7 cms., you should be at the hospital, as you will be experiencing increasing discomfort, fatigue, leg and back pain, and certainly more blood. If your water has not yet broken, it is most likely to happen in this phase. And if it does not, your doctor would need to intervene by artificially rupturing your membranes, sometime during this phase. Even though there is less time to rest between contractions, try to relax. Keep on changing positions and walk around. If you are not on any medication, keep your mouth moist and replenish your system with clear fluids. But remember to urinate at least once every hour, or it could slow down your progress. Sometimes, due to the pressure on the pelvis, you may not even notice the need to empty your bladder. So keep this in mind. At this point, you should start your breathing exercises. Use relaxation techniques between contractions and concentrate on breathing and pushing during them. What happens in the second stage This stage involves pushing and delivery of the baby. Up until now, your cervix and uterus have been working overtime. Now, it is your turn - you need to push the baby the remaining way through the birth canal, and out into this world. A truly uplifting experience. How long does it last This stage lasts anywhere between 10 minutes in second deliveries to 2 - 3 long hours in first-time mothers. Contractions will be more regular, and you will have respite between them as they come every 2-5 minutes and are less painful in most cases. How can I help in the progress What you need to do is get into a pushing position that is most comfortable for you. A semi-sitting or squatting position gives you more pushing power, due to gravity. Push with all your might as the more effort and energy you put into it, the sooner your baby will be out. But make sure you co-ordinate it with your doctors instructions, or you might just end up wasting energy. How will this stage end As the head emerges, you will feel a strong urge to push as well as tremendous rectal pressure, visible rising of the uterus with each contraction and a tingling, burning or stretching sensation in the vagina. Some women experience a burst of God-given energy, to help them through this phase. Besides a bloody show, you will experience a slippery, wet feeling as the baby slides out. I wonder how my baby survived the journey through the birth canal Your baby has a soft pliable body, but a fairly strong head. Both of which adapt themselves to a curved lower birth canal. As it descends, your babys body goes through several twists and turns in order to achieve a soft and smooth landing. Firstly, it brings its chin down on its chest, as it descends through the pelvis. Then it rotates its head and extends it backwards so that it touches its back as it emerges from the birth canal and vagina. A sideways wriggle turns its head to one side and the shoulder on that side is delivered. Another little wriggle swings its head all the way around, so that the other shoulder is delivered. Lastly, the trunk, buttocks and legs emerge and the journey is complete. Destination: your awaiting arms.

Summary - The second, more active phase of labour

This phase averages about 2 - 31/2 hours of more concentrated labour. The contractions are now more intense and come every 3-4 minutes, lasting for 40-60 seconds. By the time the cervix dilates to about 7 cms., you should be at the hospital, as you will be experiencing increasing discomfort, fatigue, leg and back pain, and certainly more blood. If your water has not yet broken, it is most likely to happen in this phase. And if it does not, your doctor would need to intervene by artificially rupturing your membranes, sometime during this phase.

Even though there is less time to rest between contractions, try to relax. Keep on changing positions and walk around. If you are not on any medication, keep your mouth moist and replenish your system with clear fluids. But remember to urinate at least once every hour, or it could slow down your progress. Sometimes, due to the pressure on the pelvis, you may not even notice the need to empty your bladder. So keep this in mind.

At this point, you should start your breathing exercises. Use relaxation techniques between contractions and concentrate on breathing and pushing during them.

What happens in the second stage

This stage involves pushing and delivery of the baby. Up until now, your cervix and uterus have been working overtime. Now, it is your turn - you need to push the baby the remaining way through the birth canal, and out into this world. A truly uplifting experience.

How long does it last

This stage lasts anywhere between 10 minutes in second deliveries to 2 - 3 long hours in first-time mothers. Contractions will be more regular, and you will have respite between them as they come every 2-5 minutes and are less painful in most cases.

How can I help in the progress

What you need to do is get into a pushing position that is most comfortable for you. A semi-sitting or squatting position gives you more pushing power, due to gravity. Push with all your might as the more effort and energy you put into it, the sooner your baby will be out. But make sure you co-ordinate it with your doctor's instructions, or you might just end up wasting energy.

How will this stage end

As the head emerges, you will feel a strong urge to push as well as tremendous rectal pressure, visible rising of the uterus with each contraction and a tingling, burning or stretching sensation in the vagina. Some women experience a burst of God-given energy, to help them through this phase. Besides a bloody show, you will experience a slippery, wet feeling as the baby slides out.

I wonder how my baby survived the journey through the birth canal

Your baby has a soft pliable body, but a fairly strong head. Both of which adapt themselves to a curved lower birth canal. As it descends, your baby's body goes through several twists and turns in order to achieve a soft and smooth landing.

Firstly, it brings its chin down on its chest, as it descends through the pelvis. Then it rotates its head and extends it backwards so that it touches its back as it emerges from the birth canal and vagina. A sideways wriggle turns its head to one side and the shoulder on that side is delivered. Another little wriggle swings its head all the way around, so that the other shoulder is delivered. Lastly, the trunk, buttocks and legs emerge and the journey is complete. Destination: your awaiting arms.