4. Delivery

What is happening

How you may feel

Your cervix is fully opened and your uterus is beginning to push the baby down through your vagina.

The contractions

• are 2 to 3 minutes apart.
• last between 60 to 90 seconds.
• are very powerful.

You may have strong  urge to push with the contractions.

You may feel yourself grunting ou making noises while pushing.

You may feel a pressure in your rectum and groin as the baby moves down in the vagina.  When the crown of the baby's head can be seen, you may have a burning feeling.

Your back pain may go away at this time.

Excited

Impatient

Tired

Relieved

Overwhelmed by the urge to push

Amazed at the effort of pushing

Drowsy and peaceful between contractions

The nurse or doctor will ask you not to push until your cervix is fully opened. When you are asked not to push, blow out until the urge passes.

When your cervix is fully opened (10 cm), the nurse or doctor will tell you to push when you feel the urge. Pushing may feel very good if your perineum is relaxed.

When you push

• choose the most comfortable position.
• use the breathing technique for pushing that is best for you.

Talk to her. Support her. Praise her.

Help her to imagine the baby moving down the birth canal.

Help her find a comfortable position for pushing. Hold and support her in this position.

Help her curl forward while pushing.

Breathe with her. Help her to pant and blow when she is asked not to push.

Let her know that it is OK to make noises.

Massage to help her relax.

Remind her to keep her pelvic floor muscles relaxed. 

Tell her when you can see the baby's head. She may want to touch it so she can believe that it is nearly here.

Welcome the baby into the world!