Stages of labour
Second stage of labour
The second stage of labour is the birth of your baby.
The second stage of labour starts when your cervix is fully dilated, and you will usually have a strong urge to push because of the pressure your baby’s head is placing on your pelvic area.
At this stage your baby is moving from your uterus into your vagina and out into the world.
The second stage can last from 10 minutes to two hours.
What can I do in the second stage?
Helping yourself during the second stage
- Push when you have a contraction and relax in between.
- It is more effective to get two or three pushes in with each contraction, breathing in between, rather than one long push.
- Being upright allows gravity to help you.
- Relax your pelvic floor muscles around the vaginal opening.
- Your midwife may apply warm compresses to your perineum for comfort and to reduce tearing.
Birth partner’s role
- Help your partner into a comfortable position.
- Your encouragement is important but avoid cheerleading.
- It can be helpful to repeat the midwife’s advice to your partner in a calm steady voice.
- Offer your partner sips of water or ice.
More information: Pregnancy, Birth and Baby – Giving birth - second stage of labour
In this guide:
- Baby’s journey of labour
- Hormones during labour
- Stages of labour
- First stage of labour
- Second stage of labour
- Third stage of labour
- The fourth stage