NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

9 What to expect in labour and birth For more information visit: • NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/what-happens-during- labour-and-birth/ • National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk/birth/first-stage-labour Second stage This stage of labour starts when your cervix is ten centimetres dilated and your baby’s head is moving into the birth canal. This is normally accompanied by a pressure in your bottom, followed by an urge to push which can feel difficult to control and similar to the sensation of needing to open your bowels. Some women may not get an urge to push, particularly if they have an epidural. If this is the case, your midwife will help guide you by feeling for a contraction on your abdomen and letting you know when to push. Your midwife will check your baby’s heartbeat regularly and support you to try different positions.