It's time to welcome your new baby into the world!

Preparing for this procedure

Your doctor will provide you with information during the months of your pregnancy. Instructions will also be provided upon your arrival at the hospital.

How this procedure is performed

The shortest but most intense part of labor is transition. This is when the cervix becomes fully dilated. Contractions may become even stronger. They may last 60 to 90 seconds, with almost no rest in between. This is a demanding time. And pain medications are rarely given so close to your baby’s birth. Help yourself by working with your support person or labor coach. You may feel an urge to push or bear down. But do not push until your doctor or midwife tells you to.

After your baby’s head enters the birth canal, contractions may come less often. Pushing down with the contraction helps move your baby further into the birth canal. If you’ve had a cesarean in the past, your labor will be managed to help prevent tearing the scar.

Once your baby’s head passes under the pubic symphysis, your perineum starts to stretch and bulge. Soon, the top of your baby’s head crowns (appears at the vaginal opening). You may have a burning feeling as this happens. Your doctor or midwife may tell you to pant. This is so you won’t push too hard and tear your perineum as the baby’s head and shoulders come through. (A small amount of tearing is not rare and is not a problem.) Your baby is born soon after the shoulders leave the birth canal. The umbilical cord is then cut.

CPG Physicians who perform this procedure

Adib Najib Khouzami, MD, FACOG

Albert K. Mall, MD

Anne Sterlin, MD, FACOG

Lauren E. Trimeloni, MD

Delbert Yoder, MD, FACOG

Vivian Boyer, Midwife

Patricia Pajak, Midwife

Cynthia Stallings, Midwife

Lori Verostick, Midwife