I’ve been doing research on labour and delivery how would u all explain the pushing process?
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
The Second Stage of Labor: Pushing and Delivery
The Second Stage of Labor: Pushing and Delivery
You're nearing the moment you've been waiting for - the birth of your baby.
The second stage of labor, or the pushing phase, is when you're fully dilated and ready to deliver. Here's a detailed look at what this stage entails, offering concrete information to guide you through.
Key Facts
The second stage of labor starts when you're fully dilated to 10 cm and ends when your baby is born.
This stage can last from a few minutes to a few hours and involves intense physical effort and emotional endurance.
What, Why, How?
- What is the Second Stage of Labor? It's when you actively push with contractions to help your baby descend through the birth canal and out into the world.
- Why Does it Happen? After the cervix is fully dilated, your body naturally transitions into pushing to deliver the baby. The baby's head pressing down on your cervix triggers the urge to push.
- How It Proceeds: Pushing typically involves a series of contractions, each lasting about 60 seconds, with rest in between. You'll feel a strong urge to bear down during each contraction.
The Mechanics of Pushing
- Effective Pushing: Involves deep breathing at the start of a contraction, holding your breath briefly, and pushing down for about 10 seconds, repeating until the contraction ends.
- Positions for Pushing: You can push in various positions - lying back, squatting, kneeling, or sitting. Some positions might be more effective or comfortable than others, depending on your situation.
Duration and Variability
- Average Duration: For first-time moms, the second stage might last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. For those who've given birth before, it may be shorter, typically around 30 minutes to an hour.
- Factors Affecting Duration: The length of this stage can vary based on factors like the baby's position, the mother's stamina, and whether or not you have an epidural.
What to Do Next
- Listen to Your Body: Your healthcare provider will help guide your pushing, but also pay attention to your body's natural urges.
- Rest Between Contractions: Use the intervals between contractions to rest and gather strength.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep yourself hydrated, as dehydration can lead to fatigue, affecting your ability to push effectively.
Q&As
- What if I don't feel the urge to push?
- What are signs that I'm pushing effectively?
- How can I prevent tearing during delivery?
- What should I do if I'm exhausted and can't push anymore?
- How soon after my baby is born will I deliver the placenta?
The second stage of labor is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. Understanding the process, knowing what to expect, and preparing mentally and physically will empower you through this transformative experience.
Soon, you'll be holding your precious new baby, a moment of immense joy and the beginning of a new chapter.
You are strong, and you can do this!
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Antoinett
29 Dec 2023
22hrs of labor. 3hrs of pushing and now my beautiful sweet babygirl is finally here🥰 Weighing 8lbs 6oz
Areyana
Awww congratulations 🎊
27 Mar 2024
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Antoinett
thanks‼️
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Thais
29 Aug 2023
This is my second pregnancy. My first was 8 years ago and induced. I didn’t have the first signs of labor. I’m starting to have mild cramps, at night they get stronger. Am I in a early stage of labor? I’m curious to know what’s happening to my body. I’m 37/ 5 days.
Courtney
May be Braxton hicks
27 Mar 2024
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Courtney
Consult your OB/GYN
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Hailey Bailey
30 Jul 2023
And July 24th 2023, our little chunk, Parker James made his arrival! 💙 Weighing 7lbs 1ounce! 🥹 20 1/2 inches long! 7 hours in labor! 7 minutes pushing, 5 pushes! 🤗 All natural🫶🏼 Thank you God for an easy/safe labor and delivery 🙌🏽
Hailey Bailey
Thank you 💕💕
27 Mar 2024
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Skylarr🩷 & Sedarrin’s
27 Jun 2023
When I say I’m so ready to get to my labor & delivery stage! I’m ready to have my first natural birth 🥹🤗 I can’t wait 🤗 .. yet I’m still watching these unmedicated labor & delivery videos.. but it’s only making me more anxious for my turn
ERICA
I did natural and unmedicated with both pregnancies not too bad….
27 Mar 2024
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Skylarr🩷 & Sedarrin’s💙 Muva👩👧...
I’m so ready
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Rose
2 Feb 2023
First day of work went great. Second day of work discussed my pregnancy with my supervisor and everything went well. Super excited to enjoy the remainder of my pregnancy without worrying about a job after labor and delivery.
KimK
That’s wonderful news!!!! You Got this Mama 😘🥰
27 Mar 2024
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Rose
🥰 thank you so much.
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XoxoCaron🩵
11 Jan 2023
Anybody else have anxiety or second thoughts about labor im so scared pushing a whole baby out my vagina 😭🙏🏽 And im only 16 weeks
Shorty
Yes girl I’m terrified but I’m on my second baby lol I’m only 12 weeks 😂
27 Mar 2024
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XoxoCaron🩵
Did it hurt the first time 😩
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Savannah
3 Jan 2023
This is my second baby and I was excited about pushing my first out I did amazing but now for some reason I'm on my second I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant and I'm getting scared of labor and the pain how normal is it to feel this way also I have really bad anxiety and I can't take my meds due to the risks it will have on baby
Blocked user
Yeah it's normal. Sleep eat cook n bathe with hypnobirthing playing it'll. Get ur mind right. Watch calm positive vaginal births
27 Mar 2024
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Savannah
Okay because I thought it was just me. I appreciate the advice thank you.😊
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LaBrajia
29 Oct 2022
Ladies with more than one kid. was the second easier than the first. As far as labor and delivery
Jessie
My second one wasn’t bc I didn’t stay healthy I thought it would be a breeze my third was okay bc I stayed healthy and prepared
27 Mar 2024
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jasmine
Yes mine was
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Trinity
14 May 2022
After 17hrs of labor and around 30mins of pushing Baby boy made his arrival 5/12/22
🎃👻Greycee🎃👻
Congratulations 🎉 he's perfect we'll done mommy 💙
27 Mar 2024
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Rene
Congratulations 🎉 👏
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