Pushing: The Second Stage of Labor

Congratulations — you’re in the second stage of labor! This is the exciting phase when you’ll push your baby through the birth canal and finally meet them. 

What Is the Pushing Stage?

This stage begins when your cervix is fully dilated and cleared away from the baby’s head. Now there's a clear path for your baby to move down and out.

For first-time moms, pushing typically lasts 1–2 hours but can take longer, particularly if your baby is in a posterior position (facing your belly). Rest when you can, especially if your contractions ease up before pushing begins.

What to Know About Pushing

Knowing what to expect can make you more confident and relaxed when it’s time to push. Learn why you may be asked to pause pushing, helpful positions and breathing techniques.

Once you’re in the pushing stage, your contractions may come every 5 minutes, lasting 45–90 seconds. They're also often strong and more productive. Contractions at this stage can bring renewed energy as you sense your baby is near. They can feel like increased pressure in the rectum, back and perineum. As your baby crowns, you might feel stretching or a burning sensation.   

Tip: Ask for a mirror if you'd like to see your baby’s head during pushing!

If you’ve had an epidural and don’t feel a strong urge to push, you might try delayed pushing, giving your baby time to move down naturally before you start bearing down. 

When You’re Asked Not to Push

You may be asked to hold off pushing if your cervix isn’t fully dilated yet. Or if your baby is crowning and needs the perineum to stretch gently. Try to pant, blow or breathe through these contractions — like blowing out candles — with your support team coaching you through it.  

Best Positions for Pushing

Try different positions to see what feels right. Some help speed up labor using gravity (like squatting), while others can help slow crowning and ease discomfort (like side-lying or hands-and-knees). A towel, squat bar or partner's support can help increase your pushing power.

Breathing Techniques

Your provider or nurse will guide you through effective breathing and pushing. Whether you grunt, groan or hold your breath briefly, do what feels natural. Avoid long breath-holding if it doesn’t help. Let your body — and your baby — lead the way.