-By Bushra Hatahet, UK-Trained Clinical Midwife
Active labour is when your body moves beyond the preparation phase and begins making steady progress towards the birth of your baby.
During this stage, your cervix continues to dilate (open), contractions become stronger, longer and more regular, and your baby gradually moves lower into your pelvis.
For many women, this is when labour requires your full attention. You may no longer feel like talking through contractions, and your focus naturally turns inward. This is completely normal.
Every contraction has a purpose. It is helping your cervix open and gently guiding your baby down through the birth canal.
Once your cervix reaches 10 centimetres, you have entered the second stage of labour.
Many women are surprised to learn that reaching full dilatation does not always mean it is time to start pushing.
If both you and your baby are well, your midwife may encourage you to wait before actively pushing. This is known as the passive second stage, or labouring down.
During this time, your uterus continues to contract and gently move your baby lower into the pelvis without you needing to make any conscious effort.
Although it may seem as though nothing is happening, a great deal of progress is often being made.
Think of your uterus as the strongest muscle involved in labour.
Every contraction gently pushes your baby lower into the birth canal.
If your baby is still relatively high in the pelvis, asking you to push too early can be tiring and often doesn’t achieve very much.
Allowing your uterus to continue doing the work first means that when you do begin pushing, your efforts are much more effective.
It also helps conserve your energy for the final part of labour when you will need it most.
During this stage you may simply breathe through your contractions and rest in between.
Some women continue chatting with their birth partner.
Others become very quiet and close their eyes between contractions.
If you have an epidural, you may not feel much pressure at all during this stage. This is perfectly normal. Your midwife will continue to assess how your baby is descending and let you know when it is time to begin pushing.
Remember, labour has not stopped.
Your body is still working incredibly hard, even if you are not actively pushing.
One of the greatest advantages of the passive second stage is the opportunity to recover.
Take advantage of the breaks between contractions.
Relax your shoulders.
Loosen your jaw.
Take slow breaths.
Have a drink if you feel like it.
Conserving your energy now often makes the active pushing stage much more manageable.
“Many women worry that they should be pushing as soon as they reach 10 centimetres.
Please don’t feel rushed.
If your baby is happy and continuing to move down naturally, letting your uterus do the work first is often one of the best things you can do.
Birth is not a race.”
This is a wonderful opportunity to help Mum recharge.
Offer reassurance.
Encourage her to rest.
Keep the room calm and quiet.
Help her change position if recommended by the midwife.
Every contraction is bringing your baby a little closer, even if it doesn’t feel like much is happening.
If you are looking for calm expertise and genuine continuity of care, let’s talk.
