What is laboring down?

Laboring down, also known as passive descent or rest and descend, is the practice of allowing a woman in labor to rest and conserve her energy during the second stage of labor, specifically during the pushing phase. Instead of actively pushing with each contraction, the woman is encouraged to breathe deeply and relax her pelvic floor muscles to allow the baby to descend on its own.

Laboring down is often recommended for women who have received pain medication, such as an epidural, which can hinder the ability to feel and push effectively. Allowing the baby to descend naturally can also help prevent tearing and reduce the risk of intervention, such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

During this phase, healthcare providers closely monitor the progress of labor and the baby's heart rate to ensure everything is progressing safely. If needed, the woman may be encouraged to begin actively pushing when the baby is close to being born.

Overall, laboring down can be a beneficial technique to help conserve a woman's energy, promote relaxation, and facilitate a smoother delivery process for both the mother and baby.