Labor - Stage 2

Contractions now will last for at least one minute. When a contraction starts, take a deep breath and push for 10 counts. The mother may grab a quick breath after that, but do not let go of the push that has been started. The mother will progress better if constant pressure is exerted throughout the duration of the contraction.

The sensations experienced during delivery will be varied and intense. Some women describe the stretching of the vagina and perineum as a feeling of splitting, while others feel it like an urgent need to make a bowel movement. While changing position may help with leg cramping, it is important to remember that once pain is felt, push through it and do not avoid it. The pain often feels better during pushing than during resting.

Now the mother may be feeling excited and motivated to finally deliver her child. While pushing seems like a natural movement, it may take a couple tries to master the technique. She must bear down on her abdominal muscles and push towards the rectum while simultaneously relaxing the floor muscles of her pelvis. It may feel awkward at first but with a few practices pushes she will become more effective.

Crowning will occur when the baby's head completely emerges from the vagina. There will be a quick pause to suction the baby's nose and mouth and then a little more pushing and tugging will result in the birth of a beautiful baby!

The umbilical cord is cut after the baby has emerged from the birth canal. Often, parents can assist with clamping and cutting the cord.

Assistance during Vaginal Births

There are a few procedures that are used in times when it becomes necessary to speed up the birth of the baby. Sometimes the vaginal opening is not large enough for the baby to pass through or simply the mother is too tired after an extended labor period. There are three main options available to physicians to assist a vaginal birth: episiotomy, vacuum-assisted and forceps-assisted birth.

Episiotomy

If there isn't enough stretching of the vaginal area to accommodate the head of the baby, then an episiotomy may be performed by making an incision toward the rectum or off to the side. The cut is made while the perineum is stretched taut, during the 'crowning' phase of delivery. Local anesthetic is delivered so that neither the cut, nor the repair, is felt by the mother.

Vacuum-assisted Birth

A vacuum extractor is sometimes placed against the baby's head and used to create a suction that helps slide the baby out of the birth canal. While the vacuum extractor is less likely to injure the mother, forceps may be the best method to use if trying to get the baby out quickly.

Forceps-assisted Birth

Forceps are spoon shaped tongs that are placed around the baby's cheeks while he or she is in the birth canal. After placement, the spoons are used to gently ease the baby out of the birthing canal. Pain medication will be offered before the use of forceps. The use of forceps varies from hospital to hospital, but the most common reason for it is maternal exhaustion.

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