According to medical experts, the urge to push is an intense sensation that typically occurs in the second stage of labor. It usually happens when the baby’s head is low in the pelvis, and the cervix is fully dilated, which allows the baby to move through the birth canal. The sensation of pushing can provide relief from the intense pressure and discomfort of the labor contractions as it signifies that the baby is finally ready to be born.
The feeling of pushing can vary from woman to woman, and some describe it as a strong pressure, while others report it as an overwhelming sensation similar to the urge to have a bowel movement. The sensation can be overwhelming, perhaps even painful for some women, while others describe it as an intense release of energy and an almost primal urge to push.
When the urge to push arises, women may instinctively bear down or hold their breath and push with all their might or take short, shallow breaths as they push. A woman may also feel her body’s involuntary contractions that make it easier to push the baby out. Some women experience a great deal of pressure, tightness, or burning in the birth canal with each push, while others describe a sense of release or relief as the baby moves further down the birth canal.
However, the sensation of the pushing often depends on whether the labor process was induced or allowed to progress naturally, the position of the baby in the pelvis and the amount of pain relief a woman may have received through regional anesthesia such as an epidural. If you are concerned about the sensation of pushing in labor, you should talk to your doctor or midwife, who can provide more information on what to expect and how to manage the pain.