Crowning refers to the moment during childbirth when the baby’s head becomes visible at the vaginal opening. This visible presence indicates that birth is imminent and labor has progressed significantly. It signals the beginning of the actual delivery.
The Process of Crowning
As labor progresses, the baby descends through the birth canal, and its head applies continuous pressure against the birthing parent’s perineum. This sustained pressure causes the perineal tissues to stretch significantly. During this process, the baby’s head is often observed to be a dark, round shape, sometimes covered with hair, that stays visible even when the birthing parent is not actively pushing.
Sensations and Visuals of Crowning
For the birthing parent, crowning brings intense pressure in the pelvic area and rectum, accompanied by an urge to push. This pressure is due to the baby’s head pressing firmly against the pelvic floor and nerves. Many individuals describe a distinct burning or stinging sensation across the perineum as the tissues stretch to their maximum capacity. This sensation is a direct result of the nerve endings in the perineal area being stretched and compressed.
From the perspective of medical staff or support persons, crowning is a clear visual confirmation of the baby’s imminent arrival. The top of the baby’s head, or sometimes a part of the scalp covered in hair, becomes continuously visible at the vaginal opening. Unlike earlier stages of labor where the head might appear and recede with contractions, during crowning, the head remains externally visible, signifying that it has passed the narrowest part of the birth canal. This sustained visibility is a reliable indicator that the baby is moving steadily forward and that delivery is very close.
The Significance of Crowning
Crowning serves as a marker in the progression of labor, indicating that the baby has successfully navigated much of the birth canal. Its appearance suggests that the baby is in an optimal position for birth, with the largest diameter of the head having passed through the pelvic outlet. This stage confirms that the vaginal opening and surrounding tissues have stretched adequately to allow for the passage of the baby’s head.
The sustained visibility of the baby’s head also signifies a transition from the active pushing stage to the final moments of delivery. It confirms that the birthing parent’s efforts have brought the baby to the threshold of birth. From this point onward, the focus shifts to carefully guiding the baby’s head out and then delivering the rest of the body.
Next Steps After Crowning
Once the baby’s head has crowned, the healthcare provider will typically guide the birthing parent to adjust their pushing efforts. Instead of forceful pushes, they may be encouraged to use gentler pushes or to pant through contractions. This controlled delivery of the head helps to prevent rapid expulsion, which could increase the risk of perineal tearing. The goal is to allow the perineum to stretch slowly and naturally around the baby’s head.
After the entire head is delivered, the healthcare provider will often check for the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck. Following this, the baby’s shoulders are delivered one at a time, requiring a slight rotation of the baby’s body to align with the widest part of the pelvic outlet. Once the shoulders are out, the rest of the baby’s body follows quickly and smoothly, completing the birth.