Stage 2 is the part of labor when the mother pushes the baby out of the womb
and down the vagina, and the baby is born. Stage 2 begins when the cervix is
completely open and ends when the baby is outside of the mother. It is normal for
stage 2 to be as short as a few minutes or as long as 2 hours.
Watch for signs that stage 2 is near
or starting
It is safe for the mother to start pushing her baby out when
her cervix has opened all the way and she has a strong urge to
push. The only way you can be certain the cervix is open all
the way is to do a vaginal exam (see page 339). But
remember: vaginal exams can cause infection. It is better not
to do a vaginal exam. With experience, you can usually tell
when the mother is ready to push without doing an exam.
Instead of doing a vaginal exam, look for the following
signs. If the mother has 2 or more of these signs, she is
probably in stage 2.
• The mother feels an uncontrollable urge to push
(she may say she needs to pass stool). She may
hold her breath or grunt during contractions.
Unnh!
I have to push!
I have to push!
• Contractions come less often. But the contractions stay strong or get stronger.
• The mother’s mood changes. She may become sleepy or more focused.
• A purple line appears between the mother’s buttocks as they spread apart
from the pressure of the baby’s head.
• The mother’s outer genitals or anus begin to bulge
out during contractions.
• T he mother feels the baby’s head begin to move into
the vagina.
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