Contractions during the active phase of 2nd stage may:
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Feel quite different from the ones you experienced towards the end of 1st stage. They may become more expulsive and involuntary, as pressure is placed on the anus and the pelvic floor from your baby moving down. Most of the work is done by the involuntary action of the woman pushing in partnership with strong contractions and the baby moving down to be born. It can feel as if your baby is using your uterus as a 'springboard' to help them dive down bit by bit with each contraction and every push they receive from you. |
Some women find these contractions much harder to deal with while other women find the 2nd stage contractions a relief, feeling they can actively work with them now. Every woman will react differently. If you are feeling lost, pant and breath to give yourself time to readjust and work out how to push effectively.
If you need direction, ask your caregiver to guide you. This should be just helping you get a rhythm, not really telling you to 'push, push, push'. If you have an epidural in place, you may need to be guided about when and how to push, because the natural feeling or urge will be minimal (or absent).