A–Z Glossary

Perineal support

Hands-on support of the perineum and baby’s head during birth to help slow delivery and reduce tissue strain.

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Why transition and second stage may take longer

Why transition and second stage may take longer

What transition and the second stage mean In labor, transition usually refers to the late part of the first stage, when the cervix is moving from about 8 cm to full dilation. The second stage of labor begins at full cervical dilation and continues until the baby is born. That handoff can feel abrupt: one […]

Pushing stage for first-time moms

Pushing stage for first-time moms

What the pushing stage is The pushing stage begins in the second stage of labor after full cervical dilation, when contractions continue and the baby moves lower through the pelvis. For a first-time mom, this can feel different from earlier labor because the work becomes more focused and often more physically demanding. Some people feel […]

Controlled pushing and slowing at crowning

Controlled pushing and slowing at crowning

What controlled pushing at crowning means Controlled pushing at crowning refers to deliberately reducing the strength or duration of pushing once the fetal head is distending the perineum and visible at the vaginal opening. In practice, this may mean taking shorter pushes, exhaling instead of bearing down hard, or pausing briefly when the clinician asks […]