What is labor down?

Laboring down is the phase of labor that occurs after the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and the woman is ready to start pushing. During this phase, the baby's head descends lower into the pelvis without the woman actively pushing.

Laboring down can be beneficial for both the mother and the baby. It allows the woman to conserve her energy and avoid exhaustion before the hard work of pushing begins. It can also reduce the likelihood of fetal distress and the need for interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

During laboring down, healthcare providers will monitor the woman and the baby closely to ensure that progress is being made and that there are no signs of distress. The woman may be instructed to rest, breathe, and focus on relaxing during this phase of labor.

Once the baby's head has descended low enough in the pelvis, the woman will be encouraged to start pushing. The length of the laboring down phase can vary, but it typically lasts between 30 minutes to 3 hours.