Crowning is a significant milestone in the birthing process, marking the moment when the baby’s head becomes visible at the vaginal opening and remains there between contractions. This event occurs during the final moments of the second stage of labor, the phase dedicated to pushing and delivery. The appearance of the baby’s head signals that the birth canal has stretched to its maximum capacity and the baby’s arrival is imminent. Understanding this stage and its intense physical sensations can help the delivering person feel more prepared and in control.
Defining Crowning: The Physical Mechanism
Crowning takes place in the second stage of labor, after the cervix has reached full dilation (10 centimeters). Before crowning, the baby’s head typically moves two steps forward with a contraction and one step back as the contraction ends. Crowning officially begins when the widest part of the baby’s head has passed through the pelvic outlet and remains visible at the vulva, even after a contraction subsides.
At this point, the vaginal tissues and the perineum—the area between the vagina and the rectum—undergo maximum stretching to accommodate the baby’s head. The force of the uterine contractions and the pushing effort work together to bring the baby’s presenting part through the narrowest section of the birth canal. The visible, non-retracting head confirms that the baby is at the +5 station, meaning the head has passed below the ischial spines and is ready for birth.
The Sensation and Immediate Management
The sensation associated with crowning is known as the “ring of fire,” an intense, burning or stinging feeling. This sensation is directly caused by the extreme stretching and thinning of the perineal and vaginal tissues as they are forced to expand around the baby’s head. This burning is temporary, lasting only a few minutes, but it is often the most intense pain experienced during the second stage of labor.
The extreme pressure and stretching can sometimes block nerve signals in the perineal tissue, which may result in a temporary numbing sensation that follows the initial burn. Healthcare providers coach the delivering person to stop actively pushing when the head crowns, encouraging techniques like panting or “blowing” through the urge to push. This controlled approach allows for slow, gradual stretching of the tissues, which is a key strategy to help prevent severe tearing or the need for an episiotomy.
To support the perineum during this intense moment, a provider may apply warm compresses to the area, which can help increase tissue pliability and circulation. They may also apply gentle counter-pressure or perineal support with their hand to guide the baby’s head and reduce the risk of rapid expulsion. Following the care provider’s specific instructions for breathing and pushing is paramount to managing the sensation and facilitating a gentle delivery. Prenatal practices such as perineal massage in the weeks leading up to labor can also help prepare the tissues for this significant stretching.
Crowning to Delivery: The Final Steps
Once the baby’s head has crowned, the hardest part of the delivery is over. After the head is born, the baby naturally rotates slightly, a movement called external rotation, to align the shoulders with the mother’s pelvis. This rotation prepares the shoulders for their passage through the birth canal.
The care provider guides the delivery of the anterior (top) shoulder first, followed by the posterior (bottom) shoulder, often using slight downward and then upward pressure. Once the shoulders are clear, the rest of the baby’s body—which is significantly smaller and more flexible—usually slides out easily and quickly with the next contraction. The entire body is typically delivered within one or two contractions following the birth of the head, completing the second stage of labor.