How to Push Properly During Labour Without Severe Tearing
Yes — pushing correctly can help reduce the risk of severe tearing. The key is the right lying position, full breathing during each contraction, and stopping as soon as the baby’s head begins to crown. Labour demands maximum stamina, but pushing that is out of sync with your contractions can tear the muscles severely (third- and fourth-degree tears).
Get Your Lying Position Right
Bend your knees and hold your ankles. Tuck your chin fully onto your chest, and do not lift your buttocks! This stable position channels your energy in the right direction.
Breathing Technique During a Contraction
Focus all your energy on the peak of each contraction:
- Breathe in deeply, filling your lungs completely.
- Hold your breath, then push down through your abdomen as if you are having a bowel movement.
- Push steadily for at least 10 seconds without stopping.
The Panting Pause
Whenever the opening stretches rapidly and the baby’s head begins to crown, STOP pushing firmly. Take short, shallow panting breaths, following your doctor’s instructions, to slow and control the speed of delivery — this technique helps reduce perineal trauma.
Follow Your Doctor and Midwife’s Instructions
Throughout the pushing stage, listen to your doctor and midwife in the delivery room. They will guide you on when to push and when to pause, so your baby’s birth is safer and more comfortable. If there is a tear or episiotomy after birth, learn how to clean and care for your stitches correctly. Know the real signs of labour in advance so you are mentally prepared when contractions begin, and understand what pain relief is available in the delivery suite.
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife.
References
- ACOG Recommendations on Perineal Lacerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct lying position while pushing?
Bend your knees, hold your ankles, tuck your chin fully onto your chest, and do not lift your buttocks.
What is the correct breathing technique during a contraction?
Breathe in to fill your lungs completely, hold your breath, then push down through your abdomen as if having a bowel movement, and push steadily for at least 10 seconds without stopping.
What is the panting pause technique and when should I use it?
Whenever the opening stretches rapidly and the baby's head begins to crown, you must stop pushing firmly and take short, shallow panting breaths, following your doctor's instructions.
Why should I stop pushing during crowning?
Panting helps slow and control the speed of delivery, and it is a technique that reduces perineal trauma.