Yes, it is possible to give birth without actively pushing, a process sometimes referred to as "laboring down."
Laboring Down Explained
Laboring down involves allowing the baby to descend naturally through the birth canal using uterine contractions and gravity, without the mother actively pushing for a period of time. According to the reference, some people wait one to two hours before pushing, which allows the baby to naturally move down the birth canal.
How Does it Work?
Instead of immediately pushing when fully dilated (10 cm), you wait and let your body's contractions do much of the work.
- Passive Descent: The baby gradually moves down the birth canal due to the force of contractions.
- Delayed Pushing: Active pushing is delayed until you feel the urge to push or until your healthcare provider advises you to begin.
Risks and Benefits
The provided reference states that laboring down has risks and benefits, but doesn't elaborate on them.
