Second Stage: Once you've dilated to 10 centimeters, you are in second stage of labor, the pushing phase. This will end with the birth of the baby. This stage can last a few minutes or several hours.
What You Might Be Feeling
- Contractions that are very manageable
- Urge to push
- Rectal Pressure
- More energy
Behavior & Attitude
Now that you've come through the hard work of transition, you might get a second wind or burst of energy. After all of that relaxing it feels good to actively help birth your baby.
Ways to Cope
You may find that you have a brief lull in contractions from the harshness of transition to the pushing stage. Remember to use it wisely, as one childbirth educator aptly called it the "Rest and be thankful phase!"
Here are some suggestions of things to do:
- Remember to relax
- Find a comfortable, productive position to push in
- Figure out whether spontaneous or directed pushing works best for you
What Your Partner Might Do
- Stay with her
- Encourage her to find a comfortable, productive position
- Praise her
- Count for 6-10 seconds, if that is helpful for her
The Birth!
Despite all of the technical information you'll find here, remember to enjoy the birth of your baby. Watch with the use of a mirror, or by looking down. Touch your baby's head as it emerges. Talk to your baby as he or she is laid on your abdomen. Enjoy!
What was your first thought when you saw your baby?
Photo © Robin Elise Weiss
