What is the fetal ejection reflex?

During the birth of my second baby, I experienced something called the Fetal Ejection Reflex.

I had been in labour for a few hours with my doula, Michelle Hache @birthbeginnings, when I felt my contraction being twice as intense. I gave Michelle what she called *THE LOOK* and 5-6 contractions later, I felt my baby crowning.

What I totally did not realize, was that it was possible to give birth without me doing any pushing whatsoever. My wonderful body did it all on its own. This was because the descent of the baby in the pelvis triggered this awesome reflex. For some women, this triggers an urge to push and they still need to do some pushing.

I marvelled at this phenomenon for a long time without realizing what it was until my very knowledgeable and savvy colleague, Lara Stewart-Panko @hypnobirthinghamilton, pointed out to me that this was the “fetal ejection reflex”. In fact, Lara gave me the most up to date clinical practice guidelines on pushing from the Society of Obstetrician and Gynecologists Canada. These guidelines suggest that pushing may begin when the cervix is fully dilated, AND the baby has descended adequately AND mom feels an urge to push. However, if the cervix is dilated but if mom doesn’t feel an urge to push, if baby has not dropped down adequately in the pelvis and if baby is not in an optimal position for birthing, then pushing should be delayed (given that there is no danger to mom or baby).

To learn more about the Fetal Ejection Reflex and how to set yourself up mentally and physically for labour, I recommend you check out the amazing prenatal classes offered by Michelle @birthbeginnings and Lara @hypnobirthinghamilton

By Mia Dang, PT / a registered physiotherapist with extensive supplementary training in pelvic floor physiotherapy and perinatal care