What to expect when you're expecting (154 page)

More intense pain with contractions

Strong pressure in the lower back and/or perineum

Rectal pressure, with or without an urge to push or move your bowels (you might even feel the urge to grunt—so let it out!)

An increase in your bloody show as more capillaries in the cervix rupture

Feeling very warm and sweaty or chilled and shaky (or you might alternate between the two)

Crampy legs that may tremble uncontrollably

Nausea and/or vomiting

Drowsiness between contractions as oxygen is diverted from your brain to the site of the delivery

A tightening sensation in your throat or chest

Exhaustion

Emotionally, you may feel vulnerable and overwhelmed, as though you’re reaching the end of your rope. In addition to frustration over not being able to push yet, you may feel discouraged, irritable, disoriented, restless, and may have difficulty concentrating and relaxing (it might seem impossible to do either). You may also find excitement reaching a fever pitch in the midst of all the stress. Your baby’s almost here!

What You Can Do.
Hang in there. By the end of this phase, which is not far off, your cervix will be fully dilated, and it’ll be time to begin pushing your baby out. Instead of thinking about the work ahead, try to think about how far you’ve come.

Continue to use breathing techniques if they help. If you feel the urge to push, resist. Pant or blow instead, unless you’ve been instructed otherwise. Pushing against a cervix that isn’t completely dilated can cause it to swell, which can delay delivery.

If you don’t want anybody to touch you unnecessarily, if your coach’s once comforting hands now irritate you, don’t hesitate to let him know.

Try to relax between contractions (as much as is possible) with slow, deep, rhythmic breathing.