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Original poster

Push through bottom...?!

62 replies

Dontjumptoconclusions · 21/12/2020 19:05

Sorry for such a silly question but don't know who to ask.

Im 39 weeks with my first and i've heard a lot of midwives saying the phrase "push through your bottom" when giving birth, YouTube video advice etc.

What does this actually mean?

Am I supposed to be pushing out of my vagina? Like when having an orgasm? Or actually pushing through my anus like having a poo? Because the baby isn't coming out of my anus, so I'm feeling so confused!

Sorry for any tmi this may have caused.

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NatriumChloride · 21/12/2020 19:06

You push like you're having a massive poo.

user1498572889 · 21/12/2020 19:09

When you get the urge to push its different to any other pushing urge. You sort of push down with your body rather than straining. If your contractions stop and you have to push without them you tend to not do it right and break all the blood vessels in your face and eyes like I did. Not very pretty but not painful. Don’t worry op you will do it automatically when the time comes. Good luck xx

JChina · 21/12/2020 19:13

Don't over think it - it makes perfect sense when you're in labour! They are just trying to help people know where to direct the pushing.

Megan2018 · 21/12/2020 19:13

My pushing felt like I was turning my anus inside out. I literally felt like I waa going to push it out of my body and have this huge prolapsed arsehole Blush
It felt like nothing was happening in my vagina at all, it was very odd.
Baby was partially back to back and all my labour was in my back so when I felt the involuntary pushing start it was nothing like I imagined.
Obviously all labours are different but there was actually no way I could push with my vagina as the pressure etc was all in my bum.
Interestingly though my period pains are also in my bum so I may just be wired weirdly Grin

Emelene · 21/12/2020 19:15

Definitely feels similar to doing a poo. You're using your pelvic floor to push the baby out!

TreacleHart · 21/12/2020 19:16

It is an urge you just go with. You probably already know, but if not , it's not unusual to actually poo yourself in labour , don't be embarrassed as midwives are used to it.

TheGriffle · 21/12/2020 19:16

Like you’re doing a big pop when you’re physically pushing. My body did some pushes on its own and the only way I can describe it was it was like being sick but the other other end, involuntary spasms that helped push the baby out that I had no control over.

TheGriffle · 21/12/2020 19:16

*poo not pop!

Respectabitch · 21/12/2020 19:16

You won't actually need to be directed on how to push when you're in labour so I wouldn't worry about it. Arguably you don't need to be directed to push at all, unless you're numbed out from an epidural.

But yes, giving birth feels remarkably like the biggest shit of your life. You are very aware that something absolutely enormous is stuck up there, and desperate to get it out.

Original poster
Dontjumptoconclusions · 21/12/2020 19:19

Thank you all! That makes a bit more sense to me now. Spent ages so confused by this.

OP posts:
MadameBlobby · 21/12/2020 19:19

It’s like the urge to do a massive poo. Not unpleasant really . 🤣

Justmuddlingalong · 21/12/2020 19:20

You'll know what they mean when you're in labour. You'll need to stop pushing when told to, but generally, pushing's an automatic response.

marthastew · 21/12/2020 19:21

When you get to that bit you'll just want to do what your midwife says. The best bit is that it means your baby is very close to being born.

JanewaysBun · 21/12/2020 19:21

Someone gave me this tip which helped. Imagine you are a coffee plunger and your e doing the buy where you push the plunger down. So firm, slow and all around

MozzchopsThirty · 21/12/2020 19:40

I loved that overwhelming urge to push, it's a fabulous feeling

Santaisironingwrappingpaper · 21/12/2020 19:41

You really won't need much guidance at the time op...

Mlm1236 · 21/12/2020 19:42

Like having a poo. But honestly when you feel the urge to push it'll just come naturally!

Respectabitch · 21/12/2020 19:46

One of the best tips I got from my midwives in labour was actually not to push until I absolutely couldn't help it. At a certain point your body just starts pushing by itself. All that midwives yelling "PUSH!" stuff is just for TV. "Purple pushing" aka being coached to push actively is how you blow out all the blood vessels in your eyes and potentially tear.

(It really annoys me how completely inaccurate TV and movie scenes of birth are.)

NeonSparkle · 21/12/2020 19:50

Please don’t worry about it - when it comes to it your body will just take over! I also was worried before but I only pushed for 30 minutes which is fairly quick. I had an epidural and could still feel the urge to push and my body knew what to do - It is like the urge to push out a big poo. You need to push with firm steady prolonged pressure but you’ll be absolutely fine and won’t have to think too much about it, it will just instinctively happen!

SpamIAm · 21/12/2020 19:54

Yep, like you're doing a poo. In fact, if you do a poo, then you're doing it right 👍

chasingmytail4 · 21/12/2020 19:55

@Santaisironingwrappingpaper

You really won't need much guidance at the time op...
I had an epidural with my first and didn’t have a natural urge to push, just pushed when instructed by midwife. I spent ages trying to push with my vagina until a new midwife took over and told me to push like I needed a poo. Wish I’d asked the question beforehand like you OP!
Trinpy · 21/12/2020 19:56

I did have to make myself push my baby out with my first dc because he was showing signs of fetal distress and the midwives were panicking a bit, but they guided me through it. I tore quite badly and it was not fun but I just had to get him out asap. None of that with dc2 and it's true you really don't have to push, just let your body do all the work for you. I did gently hold onto him when his head was being delivered because I was paranoid he'd come out too fast and I'd tear. Easiest thing is just to concentrate on your breathing and let it all happen by itself.

MSG92 · 21/12/2020 20:23

@Dontjumptoconclusions so glad you asked this.

Don't judge but I am more nervous about pooing myself than pushing a baby. I haven't had the best pregnancy regarding my bowels so far, either diarrhea or constipation, and I suffered occasionally with IBS but it only plays up every few months. My DH will pass out if I poo not through seeing the baby coming out!!

Respectabitch · 21/12/2020 20:26

[quote MSG92]@Dontjumptoconclusions so glad you asked this.

Don't judge but I am more nervous about pooing myself than pushing a baby. I haven't had the best pregnancy regarding my bowels so far, either diarrhea or constipation, and I suffered occasionally with IBS but it only plays up every few months. My DH will pass out if I poo not through seeing the baby coming out!![/quote]
You will. Everybody poos during birth unless there is absolutely nothing in there. (Some of them just don't know it.) So I'd make your peace with it now if I were you. Your DH will survive. It is just not a big deal in the context of birth.

Justmuddlingalong · 21/12/2020 20:37

The pooing myself was totally embarrassing. It removed my last ounce of dignity. Which meant when the midwife cleaned my arse and bagged up my poo, I was past caring. Midwives, I salute you.