The Urge to Push: Urge Delivery?

Let's clear this up from the start - this is not related to Shein's "urge delivery" option, where you press a button to try and expedite a package that is already en route! During labor, the sensation of needing to push is a unique yet natural instinctual feeling.

What is the "Urge to Push"?

The natural feeling many women experience during the second stage of labor is known as the "urge to push." As the baby descends into the birth canal, it causes strong pressure in the abdomen and sensation of having to push, similar to the urge to have a BM. This feeling is an innate response, activated by muscles contracting in preparation for childbirth.

Why Does the Urge to Push Happen?

The need to push happens when the baby presses on the rectal muscles while descending through the birth canal. This pressure communicates with the brain, prompting the body to push. It is a crucial aspect of giving birth, controlled by a combination of changes in hormones, muscle movements, and nerve communications, all working in harmony to assist the baby in moving down.

At times, women may experience this feeling prior to being completely dilated. This is referred to as the Ferguson reflex. It is crucial to wait for confirmation from your healthcare provider that your cervix is fully dilated before pushing, as premature pushing can result in complications.

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How to Recognize the Urge to Push

The urge to push is often described as a powerful, almost uncontrollable pressure in the lower abdomen and rectum. Many women report feeling an intense need to bear down with each contraction. Signs that you’re experiencing the urge to push include:

• Strong pelvic pressure
• The need to bear down with all your strength
• Increasingly intense contractions
• A sensation of the baby moving downward

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to communicate with your healthcare team. They will guide you on when and how to push effectively to avoid exhaustion and ensure a smooth delivery.

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Importance of the Urge to Push

The urge to push plays a critical role in childbirth. It helps by:

• Assisting the baby’s descent through the birth canal
• Stretching and expanding the birth canal, making delivery easier
• Reducing the risk of complications by working in harmony with the body’s natural signals

When women push in sync with their body’s instincts and under the guidance of their healthcare providers, it can lead to a smoother, quicker delivery.

Common FAQs About the Urge to Push

What is the "urge to push" during childbirth?
The "urge to push" is a natural reflex experienced during the second stage of labor, where a woman feels a strong instinct to bear down as the baby moves into the birth canal.

How should I respond to the urge to push?
It’s essential to follow your body’s cues but always consult with your healthcare provider. They will advise you when it’s time to push and how to do so safely.

Can the urge to push happen before I’m fully dilated?
Yes, this is known as the Ferguson reflex. If you feel this urge before you’re fully dilated, your healthcare team will ask you to resist pushing to prevent complications.

What if I have the urge to push but I’m told not to?
If you’re asked to hold off on pushing, focus on breathing techniques to manage the urge. Keep your healthcare provider informed of what you’re feeling.

Conclusion

The urge to push is a powerful, instinctual part of the childbirth process. While the feeling may be intense, it’s a natural reflex designed to help you deliver your baby. By working with your body and listening to your healthcare team, you’ll navigate this final stage of labor effectively.

Sources:

• National Cancer Institute: Urge to Push
• Mayo Clinic: Stages of Labor and Birth
• Cochrane Database: Pushing Methods in Labor
• Gimovsky AC, Berghella V: Evidence-Based Labor Management: Second Stage of Labor
• Lemos A, Amorim MM, de Andrade A, et al: Pushing/Bearing Down Methods for the Second Stage of Labor
• Borrelli SE, Locatelli A, Nespoli A: Early Pushing Urge in Labor and Midwifery Practice
• Berthier F, Branger B, et al: Score Predicting Imminent Delivery in Pregnant Women