One of the most misunderstood aspects of labor is the pushing phase. Many parents are taught that once they reach 10 centimeters, pushing should begin immediately. In many hospital settings, this looks like lying flat on the bed, legs in stirrups, holding your breath, and pushing on command — regardless of where baby is in the pelvis.
This approach often leads to longer, more exhausting labors and an increased risk of complications.
Laboring down means waiting until your body naturally signals that it’s time to push. That signal is the urge — the pressure that builds as your uterus continues working and baby descends into a position where pushing will be effective.
Being fully dilated does not automatically mean your baby is ready to be pushed out.
When pushing starts before baby is low enough, parents are more likely to experience prolonged pushing, extreme fatigue, increased fetal distress, more severe perineal tearing, and a higher likelihood of interventions such as forceps, vacuum, or cesarean delivery.
When laboring down is respected, many parents push for significantly less time because baby has already descended. Pushing becomes more efficient, more intuitive, and often less physically and emotionally taxing.
Yes — even with an epidural, many parents still feel pressure build. And for unmedicated births, the urge to push is often unmistakable. Your body is giving you information — and that information matters.
Another important piece of laboring down is how pushing is done. You do not need to hold your breath, count to ten, or push until your face turns purple. Those methods often work against your body’s natural physiology.
💥 Your uterus is one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is designed to move your baby down and out.
When parents understand the physiology of labor, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves. Knowledge creates options — and informed options change birth experiences.