Labor, Delivery, And Postpartum Period: Active Labor Second Stage

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Active Labor, Second Stage

The second stage of active labor is the actual birth, when the baby is pushed out by the tightening uterine muscles (contractions). During the second stage:

• Uterine contractions will feel different. Though they are usually regular, they may slow down to every 2 to 5 minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds. If your labor stalls, changing positions may help. If not, your health professional may recommend using medication to stimulate (augment) uterine contractions.
• You may have a strong urge to push or bear down with each contraction.
• The baby's head is likely to create great pressure on your rectum.
• You may need to change position several times to find the right birthing position for you.
• You can have a mirror positioned so you can watch your baby crown and emerge from the birth canal.
• When the baby's head passes through the vagina (crowns), you will feel a burning pain. The head is the largest part of the baby and the hardest part to deliver. If this is happening quickly, your health professional may advise you not to push every time, which may give the perineum, or area between the vulva and the anus, a chance to stretch without tearing. Or he or she may make an incision in the perineum (episiotomy). This is not recommended unless there is a medical need.
• Your medical staff will be ready to handle anything unexpected. If an urgent problem comes up, people will move quickly. You may suddenly have more people and equipment in the room than before. This is a time when your doctor or nurse-midwife will be deciding what is best for you and your baby.

Should I plan to have an episiotomy?

This pushing stage can be as short as a few minutes or as long as several hours. You are more likely to have a fast labor if you have given birth before.

Last updated:	December 05, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC