ABSTRACT
The second stage of labour lasts from full dilatation of the uterine cervix to the delivery of the child. The active second stage lasts, on average, one hour in a primigravida and considerably less in a multigravida. During this time, the fetal head descends through the birth canal and, when it reaches the pelvic floor, the mother experiences a desire to bear down, which is often irresistible. Bearing down efforts (pushing) are combined with the uterine contractions to deliver the baby.
