What is Crowning?

Crowning is the moment your baby’s head or presenting part is making its way through the vaginal opening. “This is often one of the most exciting moments in the birth room when everyone knows the baby is finally making its way out after all of the hard work of the [birthing parent],” said Ellen Smead, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at Northside Women's Specialists, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. It is commonly referred to as the “Ring of Fire” as it is the point of delivery when the tissues of the vaginal opening are stretching as much as possible to accommodate the fetal head. “This results in a stinging or burning sensation for most people, but thankfully it is brief and also an exciting time for all in the room knowing the baby is almost born!”

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