Birth
The third stage of labor is childbirth and is the pushing and delivery of the baby. This is the hardest part of childbirth yet the most rewarding. The entire pregnancy is geared to this very moment.
Delivery
What’s Happening To You
Your cervix has dilated to 10 centimeters and you are 100% effaced (thinned out). The baby’s head crowns (begins to push out of the birth canal), and begins to push out of the vagina. Contractions are coming about two to five minutes apart, and lasting for 60 to 90 seconds. These contractions are the ones with which you will push the baby out. You willfeel intense pressure and have a strong urge to push. This is the hardest part of labor and delivery.
Childbirth
How to Cope
Get into a pushing position. You should have discussed this with your doctor or midwife before labor started and agree on which positions you may use. Certain medical circumstances and health problems will prevent you from trying some of the positions other than back-lying. And depending upon your choice of pain relief management you may be restricted to the bed.
There are several birthing positions. What you choose is entirely up to you and your care provider and whether or not you are giving birth in a hospital, birthing center or at home.
The choices consist of:
- back lying (most hospitals use this)
- side-lying, all fours (crawling position)
- sitting, squatting
- and standing
Whatever position you choose, you may have to practice, such as squatting, because it requires the use of strong arms and legs. Also, depending upon your health and the health of the baby, you may be limited with your choices. If you have a strong preference, talk with your doctor or midwife well in advance of your due date.
Make sure you have a good infant car seat installed in your vehicle for when you take baby home. We recommend the BRITAX ADVOCATE 70 CS Convertible Car Seat.