Changing positions during 'laboring down' or active pushing decreases the likelihood of tearing, increases the diameter of the birth canal, and will assist in the rotation of the baby's head to the most favorable position so it can pass under the pubic bone.

Is laboring down recommended?

But in fact, there is a beneficial practice that can come before pushing called "laboring down." Instead of forcefully and actively pushing with each contraction immediately after reaching 10 cm, laboring down allows your body to naturally bring baby further down and rotate while you follow only natural, gentle urges ...

How long does laboring down take?

'Laboring down' vs.

The practice of “laboring down” or delayed pushing is common among OB providers. Once a woman's cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters, she rests for one to two hours before she starts pushing with contractions.