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“» BETTER MATERNITY STAGE TWO: THE PUSHING PHASE Congratulations, your cervix is fully dilated! Your body is ready to bring your baby into the world and it's time to push. » What's happening? Your baby is moving down your birth canal with each contraction. You'll feel a strong urge to bear down - almost like you need to push during a bowel movement. You may feel a burning or stretching sensation as the baby crowns. « How long will it last? Usually anywhere from 30 minutes - 2 hours but is often shorter for those who've delivered before. = What helps? Follow your body's cues or your midwife’s guidance. Upright positions like squatting or kneeling use gravity to your advantage. Rest and sip water between contractions if you can. Yes, it's intense. Yes, it burns (there’s a reason they call it the “ring of fire”). But it’s also the stage that ends with you holding your baby, and that's pretty incredible. You might feel a rush of relief, emotion, and exhaustion all at once. Your baby will be placed on your chest for skin- to-skin contact, and your world will shift in the most extraordinary way. QUICK LABOUR GLOSSARY Contraction: The tightening and relaxing of the uterus to help open the cervix and push the baby out. Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that dilates during labour. Effacement: Thinning of the cervix. Dilation: Opening of the cervix, measured in centimetres (0 - 10 cm). Waters breaking: Rupture of the amniotic sac, releasing fluid. Crowning: When the baby's head becomes visible at the vaginal opening. Placenta: The organ that nourished your baby during pregnancy, delivered after birth.
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