How Do You Understand The Mechanism Of Labor?
Throughout labor, primarily second stage, the baby goes through five distinct actions called the “mechanism of labor.” This article explains these five actions and how they assist the baby to make his journey into the world. Descend down the birth canal. The baby begins to descend into the pelvis and continues through the birth canal. Descent happens due to the force of gravity and as a result of the downward pressure of the contractions during second stage. Touch the chin to the chest. As the baby descends, her chin touches her chest, which is known as flexion. Flexion occurs due to the pressure and resistance of the head coming through the birth canal. When flexion occurs properly, the diameter of the head is reduced by nearly one centimeter as it approaches and passes the pelvic brim. Internally rotate. The baby completes internal rotation. The baby’s head will enter the pelvis in a transverse or diagonal position. As it reaches the pelvic floor, the occiput (the back of the head) w
