Rookie birthing question

[Nafretili]

You see videos of these women on youtube having homebirths
Which I think is awesome
But I just wondered
(As a first time mum and bit of a noob!)
How do you know when you're fully dilated?
Or do you just trust your body?
Because you hear midwives saying 'no you can't push yet, or stop pushing for a minute'

Just wondered!
Thanks

 

[beth_terri]

You dont personally know but your midwife will tell you. And this would normally be the stage where your body takes over and makes you push
xx

 

[NuKe]

^yep!

 

[beth_terri]

And when your midwife tells you not to push its usually while the babies head is just sliding out gently or twisting. If you were to push at this stage you would be more likely to tear.
xx

 

[Nafretili]

Okay thanks
I just didn't know how women who just birth at home know they're dilated lol.

 

[Luna]

They have a midwife present too

 

[Nafretili]

Ahhh okay that explains xD ty

 

[Tacey]

In a straightforward birth, it doesn't really matter if you know or not. Your body may make you push, or you may birth without pushing at all. Women have been birthing without knowing they are dilated for many years before we knew so much about the mechanics.

 

[Enough]

This is my 2nd homebirth. You will know when you get that overwhelming feeling to push. Otherwise your midwive can periodically check to see your progress.

 

[Mamaof5soon]

You'll get an unforgettable urge to push, that cannot be confused with any other feeling in the world!

 

[amore]

I never actually got an urge to push the baby out as such. However, I suddenly felt like I really had to poo and wanted to get off the bed and go to the toilet but the midwife wouldnt let me as she kept telling me it was not a poo but the baby ready to come - she was right of course but you may not feel the sensation in the way you expect lol.

 

[Nafretili]

Haha thanks I'll bare that in mind!