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Second stage of labour
The second stage of labour (also called ‘the pushing stage’) starts when the cervix is fully open (10cm dilated) and ends when your baby is born. 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 2 hours (usually second babies are quicker than first) Contractions during this stage may be several minutes apart.
Look below to read NCT's information about the second stage of labour.
Second stage
Hormones have an important role to play in labour and birth. Here we discuss what changes may affect you.
Straightforward birth, sometimes called normal or natural birth, means giving birth vaginally, without any procedures or interventions, such as an epidural or the use of forceps,...
You may think that whether or not you have a straightforward birth is just luck of the draw. But this isn’t necessarily the case and there are lots of things you can do in...
Some women like to have a birthing partner present with them when they give birth. A birth partner can support and encourage you during labour.
What do you need to consider when hiring a birthing pool for a water birth or labour at home or in hospital?
If you are going to be supporting someone through birth, NCT can offer a few tips to help you to understand how you can best help your partner.
Being a birth partner is a fantastic way to be supportive to your partner, friend or daughter. Read about the challenges and rewards of helping in this life changing event.
Where you have your baby can affect many aspects of the birth, from who you have with you to the clinical outcome for the baby. You have a right to choose and it makes sense to...
Giving birth can be easier if your baby is in a particular position in your pelvis: head pointing down and facing your back. This is known as the ‘occiput anterior’ position.
Here we answer some common questions about home birth to help you make an informed decision.
This article provides practical information about preparing for a water birth such as hiring a pool and what you might need.
Find out about practical ways to help you have a straightforward birth.
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