What is 'laboring down'?

Laboring down refers to the practice of allowing the baby to progress through the birth canal using gravity and the natural contractions of the uterus without the mother's active pushing efforts. This approach can be beneficial because it allows the baby's head to descend further into the pelvis, potentially creating better positioning for the delivery. It can also conserve the mother's energy and reduce the overall physical stress associated with active pushing. In this context, this method emphasizes patience and the body's natural processes, which can be advantageous during the later stages of labor.

On the other hand, active pushing at the onset of labor can be counterproductive, as it may lead to increased fatigue without allowing the natural descent of the baby. Using medication to facilitate faster labor can sometimes interfere with the body's ability to manage its own timing and processes. Continuous fetal monitoring, while important for tracking the baby's heart rate and overall well-being, does not specifically pertain to the mechanics of laboring down. Thus, the correct understanding of laboring down highlights a natural and often beneficial approach during the second stage of labor.