Baby Crowning: What It Is, How It Feels, and Images

What Is Baby Crowning?

Baby crowning refers to the moment during labor when the baby's head becomes visible at the opening of the vagina. It happens during the second stage of labor as you push the baby out. When the baby’s head remains visible between contractions without slipping back in, this is referred to as crowning.

Once your baby begins to crown, you’re in the home stretch—though the process isn’t quite over. Your healthcare provider may ask you to push gently or slowly to help the tissue stretch and reduce the risk of tearing. In some cases, a small incision (episiotomy) may be made to widen the vaginal opening, but this is becoming less common. Other tools like forceps or vacuum extraction may be used if additional assistance is needed.

What Does Crowning Feel Like?

Crowning is often described as an intense burning or stinging sensation, giving rise to the term "ring of fire." This sensation occurs as the baby stretches the vaginal opening, putting pressure on the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). The burning or stinging feeling is a result of the skin stretching to its maximum.

For women who haven’t received an epidural or other pain relief, the sensation can be particularly intense. Some women describe it as a powerful urge to push or bear down, while others report feeling a lot of pressure, like the need to have a bowel movement.

If you have an epidural, you may feel a duller version of the burning sensation or just experience pressure as your baby crowns. If you haven’t had pain medication and the burning becomes too intense, your doctor might offer a pudendal nerve block to reduce the pain.

As your baby’s head stretches the tissues, the nerves in the area may become blocked, which can create a numbing effect. This natural anesthetic response may reduce the sensation of pain as the crowning progresses.

What Happens During Crowning?

Crowning takes place when your cervix is fully dilated and you begin to push your baby out. It marks the transition into the final stage of labor. Here’s what typically happens:

1. The baby’s head appears: You’ll start to see the top of the baby’s head during each contraction.
2. The baby’s head stays visible: When the head doesn’t retreat between contractions, this indicates the baby is crowning.
3. The “ring of fire”: As the baby’s head stretches the vaginal opening, you may feel a burning or stinging sensation.
4. The baby is born: After the head crowns, the rest of the baby’s body usually follows quickly, often within one or two more contractions.

Your healthcare provider will guide you through this process, helping to manage the speed of delivery to minimize the risk of tears.

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Dealing with Tears During Crowning

Tearing is a common occurrence during crowning, particularly if the baby’s head is large or if the skin isn’t stretching enough to accommodate the baby. Tears are categorized into four degrees:

• First-degree tears: These involve only the skin and may heal without stitches.
• Second-degree tears: These affect the skin and some vaginal tissue, requiring stitches.
• Third-degree tears: These involve the perineum and the muscles around the anus and may require surgical repair.
• Fourth-degree tears: These are the most severe, affecting the perineum, anal sphincter, and rectal lining. Surgery and a longer recovery period are needed.

While tears are common, most heal on their own within a few weeks. It’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance to minimize tearing, such as slowing down when crowning occurs.

How to Prepare for Crowning

Crowning may sound daunting, but preparation can make the experience smoother. Here are some steps you can take to be ready:

1. Childbirth Classes: Attending a class can help you understand the labor process, including crowning. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about pain management options.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, relaxation, and distraction techniques. These can help when the “ring of fire” occurs, allowing you to remain calm and reduce tension in your muscles.
3. Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss your pain management options beforehand, whether you prefer an epidural, local anesthesia, or going medication-free.
4. Slow and Steady: Resist the urge to push too quickly during crowning. Allow your contractions to do most of the work and follow your doctor’s guidance to minimize tearing.

Images of Crowning

Seeing images of crowning can be educational, helping you visualize the process and prepare for your own experience. For raw, unfiltered images of various types of births, including crowning, you can check out this page. This account features real-life images of births, showcasing the beauty and intensity of the moment. You can also view it at the Instagram post below.

Content Warning: These images include nudity and are graphic in nature, displaying the realities of childbirth.

Crowning is a critical and intense moment in labor, often accompanied by the infamous "ring of fire." While the sensation may be uncomfortable, it signals that your baby is about to make their entrance into the world. By preparing yourself and listening to your body (and your healthcare team), you can navigate this final stage of labor and soon meet your baby face to face.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic: Stages of Labor and Birth
• Healthline: Baby Crowning: What You Want to Know
• What to Expect: What Is Baby Crowning?
• Abramov Y, Sand PK: Oxybutynin for Treatment of Urge Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder
• Borrelli SE, Locatelli A, Nespoli A: Early Pushing Urge in Labor and Midwifery Practice