Pushing and Crowning Sensations In Second Stage of Labor

As you get to the pushing stage of labor, I want you to know what to expect so nothing feels surprising. When your body is ready to push, you will feel a strong pressure deep in your pelvis, similar to the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. The pressure builds during each contraction and helps guide you. As the baby moves lower, you will feel stretching in the vagina and the skin between the vagina and rectum. When the baby’s head reaches the opening, you may feel a brief burning or stinging sensation. That feeling is normal and happens because the skin is stretching. It is intense, but it usually lasts only a short time before the head is born.

Emotionally, it is common to feel focused but also tired. Many women feel a mix of strength and vulnerability. You will have support the entire time. I will guide you on how and when to push. Sometimes you will push with the contraction. Sometimes I will ask you to pause or take short breaths to help the tissues stretch more gently. You can let me know what feels best and we will adjust positions if needed.

Everything you will feel is part of a normal process, even if it is strong. If at any point you become too tired or if the baby has trouble descending, I will let you know what options we have to help. Most of the time, simple changes in position or timing make a big difference. If we need extra support, such as a vacuum or forceps, I will explain exactly why and what the plan is before we move forward. The goal is always a safe and steady birth for both you and your baby.