Let’s get ready for the birth: how to push effectively

One of the aims of antenatal classes is to teach pregnant women how to push when they’re in labour. This is important to ensure that the second stage of labour is more effective.

Pushing

Breathing techniques are recommended to help you relax during the first stage of labour. You’ll also learn about this type of breathing during antenatal classes. Once the cervix is fully dilated, you’ll start to push.

You may hear about two pushing techniques:

• Valsalva’s manoeuvre. This is done by taking a deep breath and then holding it while you push. It’s important for the perineum to be as relaxed as possible.
• Spontaneous pushing. The woman lets air out at the same time she pushes.

Valsalva’s manoeuvre can involve greater risks because having to hold your breath will reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches the baby. There’s also more likelihood of damage to the pelvic floor, including tears.

Spontaneous pushing, where the mother exhales while pushing, may even be more effective. The problem is that epidural anaesthesia decreases or eliminates the urge to push. In these cases, it’s essential for the midwife to guide the woman and tell her when to push in order to guarantee an effective expulsion.

If you’re in the last trimester of your pregnancy, be sure to attend antenatal classes. And make sure you ask your midwife any questions you might have about the birth.