In the News
The pushing phase of labor can sound scary, but it helps to know what to expect ahead of giving birth. Pushing can take half an hour to several hours. According to Rebecca Keith, M.D., an OBGYN at OB Hospitalists of Kentucky, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group, many factors contribute to the duration, including mom’s size and age. “The size and shape of the woman’s pelvis can affect pushing times,” said Dr. Keith, noting that if the pelvis is too small, baby’s head may not be able to come down. Women over 35 tend to take longer to push, she added. Whether you get an epidural is another factor. An epidural can sometimes prolong pushing time, said Dr. Keith. “But other times, I’ve seen an epidural allow a mom to relax, focus and push more effectively, thus shortening the pushing phase.”
View the full story on The Bump