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The ring of fire happens when your baby’s head starts to show in the birth canal, a stage known as crowning in labour. The term “ring” comes from the circular shape your baby’s head makes as it presses against the vaginal tissues, and “fire” describes the burning feeling from the stretching.
When Does The Ring Of Fire Happen?
The ring of fire during vaginal delivery occurs in the second stage of labour, which is the pushing phase. This is what you need to know:
- Labour stages: Labour has four stages: early and active labour, pushing (when the baby is born), delivery of the placenta, and recovery. The ring of fire happens towards the end of the second stage.
- Timing: This stage starts when your cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and ends with your baby’s birth. For first-time parents, this stage can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours. The ring of fire happens during childbirth, crowning, which is when your baby’s head stays visible and no longer slides back after contractions.
- Progression: Once crowning in labour begins, your baby is often born within one or two more contractions. For first-time parents, it might take a few extra pushes.
What Does The Ring Of Fire Feel Like?
The ring of fire during vaginal delivery feels different for everyone, but here’s what you can usually expect:
- Burning or stinging: Most people describe it as a strong burning or stinging feeling as the vaginal tissues stretch to accommodate the baby’s head. Some also feel intense rectal pressure, almost like needing to poop (which is totally normal!).
- Varying intensity: If you’ve had an epidural, you may only notice pressure or a mild burning feeling, and sometimes you might not feel anything at all. The sensation can be more noticeable or intense without an epidural.
- Duration: The bright side is that it doesn’t last long, often lasting just seconds to a couple of minutes.
What Happens During Crowning in Labour?
Childbirth crowning is the moment when your baby’s head becomes visible at the vaginal opening and stays there between pushes. Here’s what’s really happening:
- Baby’s position: The widest part of your baby’s head is stretching the vaginal opening, which is why it feels so intense.
- What you can do: You might be able to reach down and touch your baby’s head, feeling their wet hair (if they have any!). Some people like using a mirror to see the progress.
- Support from your team: Your doctor may apply gentle pressure to your perineum (the skin between your vagina and anus) to support it and reduce tearing.
How to Manage the Ring Of Fire
There are ways to manage it and make the experience easier:
- Listen to your doctor: Your doctor will coach you on when to push. Try to avoid pushing too hard or too soon, as slow, controlled pushes help your skin stretch slowly and lower the chance of tearing.
- Relax your body: This might feel impossible in the moment, but letting your body relax as much as you can actually helps a lot.
- Breathing techniques: Use deep breathing or panting to control the urge to push too quickly.
- Warm compresses and massage: Your doctor might press a warm, wet cloth against the perineum or gently massage it. This warmth and pressure can help ease the burning feeling and reduce tearing risk.
- Stay focused: Remind yourself that this stage doesn’t last long. You’re only moments away from meeting your baby. Keeping that in mind can help you stay calm and push through the final part with confidence!
Tearing During Crowning in Labour
Tearing is common during the crowning of the head because the vaginal and perineal tissues stretch intensely.
Types of tears:
- First-degree: Affects only the skin of the perineum. May heal without stitches.
- Second-degree: Involves the perineum and some vaginal tissue. Needs stitches and a few weeks to heal.
- Third-degree: Extends to the anal sphincter muscles. Requires surgery and a longer recovery.
- Fourth-degree: Involves the perineum, anal sphincter, and rectal lining. Needs surgery and extended healing time.
The ring of fire during vaginal delivery is a completely normal part of giving birth. Once you understand what’s happening and why it feels that way, it becomes a lot less frightening. This stage only lasts for a short while, and it means you’re just seconds away from meeting your baby!
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FAQs on What Is Meant By The Ring Of Fire During Labour?
- What happens if the baby is stuck during crowning?
If a baby gets stuck, it is a medical emergency that can cause oxygen deprivation and increase the risk of injuries for the baby and the mother. - Does everyone experience the ring of fire?
No, not everyone experiences the 'ring of fire' during childbirth. Some may notice only pressure or tightness, while others may not feel it at all.