Let’s know about Baby crowning during delivery. It is said that a woman becomes complete after becoming a mother. Giving birth to a child is a divine experience. After all, you have the power to bring a new life into this world, which makes you feel special. A woman’s body is designed in such a way that it can nourish a child right from the time of conception. As the pregnancy progresses, she sees a lot of changes in her body. In fact, your body starts preparing for childbirth several days before you go into labor.
Baby crowning during delivery
What is baby crowning?
During labor , with each contraction, the baby’s head starts appearing through your vaginal opening. These contractions tighten and loosen the uterine muscles, allowing the baby to come out through the birth canal. This is the time when you need to start pushing . This allows the baby’s head to reach the opening faster. However, after the contractions end, the baby’s head slips back in.
Crowning is the moment when the baby’s head is almost completely out and will not slide back in. The cervix disappears 100% and opens 10 cm before crowning.
So if you wanted to know what crowning means during pregnancy, this is what it means.
How long is baby crowning?
If this is your first delivery, the crowning process may take up to 2 hours. This period reduces with every delivery.
stages of labor
Your body starts preparing for delivery several weeks before the first day of labor . The baby’s head comes into the pelvis and this is called engagement.
There are many stages of labor. It starts with contraction and ends with transition. The first stage of labor is the most intense, although it is also the shortest.
After this comes the active stage of labour. In this, the contractions are longer and more intense and the cervix opens faster. This is also known as the pushing phase and with this stage the cervix can also open completely. At this time, crowning begins in labour.
How is baby crowning done?
Natural delivery is a painful process and there is only one way to get relief from this pain and that is to give birth to the baby. Here are some effective tips to keep in mind to manage the pain during delivery and crowning:
be at your best
The best position may be different for every woman. Some of these effective positions are as follows:
1. Side position
If you want a controlled and slow delivery, then this position is the best.
2. Squatting Position
If your baby is of large size or your labor is a quick labour, then this is best for you.
3. All Four Position
This position is also recommended in cases where the baby is large or if your baby is in a posterior position .
push and breathe
During birth crowning you will experience the urge to push, which is natural. Your uterus contracts and sends signals to you to push the baby out.
It’s important to remember that pushing is not the same as pushing your abdominal muscles to relax yourself. You don’t need to hold your breath and endure. If you do this, the baby will not get enough oxygen. You have to push and breathe in such a way that the baby slowly comes down through the birth canal in a controlled manner. This will be comfortable for you and you will also be able to save your energy. This also reduces the risk of damage to the perineum .
When pushing during birth crowning, keep your mouth open and your neck and jaw relaxed. Learn proper exhalation technique . During labor, place your hands under your breasts, on your stomach and the muscles here should tighten.
Tips to Fight the Urge to Push
- Lie on your back and relax the muscles between your vagina and rectum.
- Relax, breathe and ask your midwife to give you a massage.
- Doing deep breathing exercises will help your body to relax.
- Don’t fight contractions, use them to make delivery easier.
How does it feel at the time of baby crowning?
This feeling has been named ‘Ring of Fire’. When your baby’s head is visible, your vaginal tissue stretches and this causes a burning sensation. This feeling continues until the baby’s head slips inside.
Stop pushing when you feel this burning sensation. This will prevent your tissue from getting damaged. The first stage of labor is over when the burning sensation goes away.
This feeling of burning does not last long. But it makes you feel numb. Stretching blocks the vaginal tissue, which is why this numbness is felt.
How to Prepare for Natural Birth Crowning?
During the ring of fire, the midwife will massage your perineum to reduce irritation and reduce the risk of tearing. An episiotomy may be advised for an easier labour.
By inserting a lubricated finger, the perineum is massaged for 10 minutes and this can be started from the 35th week of pregnancy .
cut protection
- Eat nutritious food and make sure that you exercise regularly so that your muscles have enough strength to withstand this pressure.
- By keeping the area lubricated with oil, the baby can be helped out without stretching the muscles too much.
- Lie on your side and apply force. This will reduce the pressure on your perineum.
- Push slowly but firmly and take long breaths during this.
- Water bath is very effective in preventing cuts.
How can one get relief from the pain of baby crowning?
- Ask your midwife or your partner to hold a piece of flannel near the muscle between the vagina and anus (perineum). This will reduce the risk of cuts and painful birth crowning.
- You can also try warm compress to reduce the pain .
- Massaging the skin with lukewarm oil will soften the skin and make it more stretchable.
What happens after baby birth crowning?
The doctor will be able to detect during crowning if your umbilical cord is wrapped around your baby’s neck or if there is a similar problem. If the baby gets stuck in the canal, the doctor will manually deliver the baby.
After crowning, the entire head of the child and then the rest of the body comes out.
conclusion for Baby crowning during delivery
Crowning is an important part of the process of delivery, known as the pushing phase. This is a sign that the baby is about to come out. Although it is painful, it can be managed. Apart from many remedies, your body has its own internal mechanism to handle pain. Keep in mind that before delivery, meet your gynecologist or obstetrician to discuss any dilemma or questions you may have. Before going into this process of delivery that has the potential to change a life, it is always better to be prepared.
