https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 10:36:16 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time/page/2#post-1634092 Wed, 14 May 2014 14:24:57 +0000 NurseMommy 1634092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is really interesting, hearing everyone's experiences. It's amazing how much they vary. I've been curious about this for a while. Thanks everyone for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633725 Wed, 14 May 2014 12:33:02 +0000 googly-eyes 1633725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I'm not in shape and I pushed 45 minutes with an epidural. You have absolutely nothing to feel guilty about! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633587 Wed, 14 May 2014 11:44:00 +0000 Ajsmommy 1633587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>yes I had an epi, I would say I'm moderately fit, I pushed for about an hour </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633375 Wed, 14 May 2014 10:25:23 +0000 Foodnerd81 1633375@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I should clarify-- I don't feel guilty anymore. And even at the time I realized it was postpartum hormonal craziness and I shouldn't feel bad, but that pp haze is nuts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633264 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:44:46 +0000 mrs. wagon 1633264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for 3 hours before I delivered with a vacuum assist. I was not physically fit. </p> <p>I had had 3 epidural failures so by the time I was pushing, the third epidural had pretty much worn off. </p> <p>By the time I was pushing I had been awake for almost 36 hours straight with a brutal 24 hour labor, and my son had a huge 99th percentile head. So I attribute the failure to push him out to my exhaustion from a long labor and his huge head. </p> <p>If it helps you any, my same body (not much more physically fit than the first time) pushed my second out in 15 minutes totally and completely numb from epidural/spinal catheter! She slipped out EASILY.. I could have pushed her out quicker but the doctor wasn't ready! and her head was not small either... I think 80th percentile?</p> <p>:) :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633236 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:33:52 +0000 kjpugs 1633236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an epi but more of a "walking" epi as I was concerned about being too drugged up. I could still move my legs, walked afterwards, etc. I pushed about 5 hours? I have a narrow pelvic opening though. I think being more fit would have helped but I had so many issues (hip/pelvic pain, and 30 weeks of nausea) in my pregnancy that I had to stop running. Oh and I had back labor and anterior placenta. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633235 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:33:41 +0000 Bao 1633235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With #1 I pushed an hour and 45 minutes, I'm not the most physically fit in the world but her head was coming out sideways.</p> <p>With #2 I pushed less than 5 minutes</p> <p>Epidural both times. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633218 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:26:56 +0000 Mommy Finger 1633218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Failed epi, 2.5 hr of pushing and I wouldn't say that I'm fit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633192 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:13:17 +0000 LuLu Mom 1633192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for 2 1/2 hours with an epidural (ended in C-section.) I was told no matter how much pushing I did she wouldn't have fit, she was sunny side up and too big for me. I wasn't in great shape, but I was in some sort of shape before she was born. I think I did everything I could. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633186 Wed, 14 May 2014 09:09:27 +0000 Anagram 1633186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It makes me sad that so many of you feel guilt about needing a vacuum assist!</p> <p>@Foodnerd81: I did not have vaccum assist, but my LO had a very visible and large subdural hematoma--the doctor said it was just from her positioning in the birth canal (I was completely effaced way before I was dilated, so I think she was just really far down there and her head got squished).</p> <p>Anyway, she still has a bump from her hematoma and the doctor says her head will have to grow around it for it to "even out", which won't happen until 2 years old. So don't feel bad a bout a bump from a vacuum!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633159 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:59:07 +0000 heartonastring 1633159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: Yes to this. </p> <p>I didn't push for a long time because I ended up with a csection as baby never descended so I was induced at 42 weeks and then the whole cascade of interventions thing happened. </p> <p>But after talking with my midwife (who noted several times during my pregnancy that I had extremely strong abdominal muscles), as well as several doulas, including a couple who are also crossfit athletes, I've basically ascertained that DD never descended because my core was so strong, and as a result I never dilated or effaced (by 42 weeks I was 1 cm and only 20-30% effaced). This never crossed my mind during pregnancy and I thought it was fantastic that I stayed in such great shape (and I still think it is) but I never realized it could impact my birth negatively. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633072 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:34:20 +0000 Foodnerd81 1633072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not push for a long time-- maybe 40 minutes? Really it's a blur but at the time I thought for sure it would be longer because they say it's a long time for first births. I did need a vacuum assist because her heart rate wasn't reacting well to the contractions and they wanted her out faster. I did not work out during pregnancy, though I didn't gain a ton of weight either. </p> <p>I felt a lot of illogical guilt about needing the vacuum assist. She had a big bump on her head for the first few weeks because of it, which contributed to her being jaundice, and needing a blood draw at her 3 day appt, and I blamed myself because if I had 'just pushed harder' she wouldn't have it. It's totally ridiculous, but those were my crazy pp thoughts. I did not have an epidural. </p> <p>On the other side, my good friend worked out right up to giving birth-- like she was in body pump class the day before she went into labor, she is one of the most fit people I know. She had an epidural, and pushed for 4 hours. She ended up with an episiotomy and vacuum assist, because his head just wasn't budging. </p> <p>So my point is.... it's just luck. I think being fit would help just in terms of having the energy to keep going but there is still a ton of luck involved. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633052 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:27:48 +0000 MrsTiz 1633052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for just over 2 hours.</p> <p>I had an epidural but it wore off around 8 cm and it took me a LONG time to get to 10. So I felt every single contraction. It couldn't have been further off from what I hoped my labor would be like! </p> <p>And no, I am not &amp; was not physically fit. I gave it my all, I pushed so long and so hard each time that I puked like the exorcist. </p> <p>So, don't feel bad that you needed assistance, I don't think that your physical shape had much to do with it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633048 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:26:33 +0000 littlebug 1633048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for 3 hours and needed a vacuum assist. I wouldn't say I was in AWESOME shape, but I certainly was in pretty good shape and I had pelvic floor muscles of steel. I think that being fit has very little to do with how effectively you labor.</p> <p>Oh, and I did have an epi so that I could get some rest. LONG before the pushing part came. By the time it came to push, my epi had actually fallen out and it did not take when they replaced it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633039 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:21:52 +0000 Silva 1633039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: This. My friend is a homebirth midwife, and both she and my doctor have speculated that my build + my physical fitness + baby's position were the reason for my 54 hour labor. My friend said its been her observation (and maybe research? I can't remember) that sometimes people who run and have core definition from that kind of exercise have long labors because their bodies/muscles tighten against the contractions and can hold the baby in place.<br /> Who knows.</p> <p>Be gentle with yourself, it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong, and you carried and birthed your daughter. That is an incredible accomplishment, no matter the details of it. </p> <p>If she had a similar delivery with her own child, how would you want her to feel about it? Guilty? Proud? Sometimes we treat others better than ourselves. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633027 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:15:34 +0000 blackbird 1633027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes and Yes, but i definitely think there are other factors! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633019 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:12:39 +0000 Charm54 1633019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for 2.5 hours and yes, I had an epi but it had worn off and I could feel every contraction. I feel like I am physically fit (I mean, I could be in better shape probably) but I don't think that had anything to do with it. It was more of the fact that she was "sunny side up" (as DH likes to say). She needed a vacuum after 2.5 hours but I don't think anything could have prevented that. I'm just happy I didn't need an emergency c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633008 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:09:05 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1633008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for about 3 hours, and then an after an additional 20 minutes with the OB she came out. </p> <p>1) Yes I had an epidural for that time but it obviously was worn off by the time we were done. </p> <p>2) I was overweight but still I think pretty muscular and flexible. </p> <p>also to note, she was a big baby over 9 lbs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1633003 Wed, 14 May 2014 08:05:59 +0000 septca 1633003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I pushed for 4 hours and had 45 hours of labor total. No epidural and no assist - she just really didn't want to come out! (My MW actually said that I had really strong pelvic floor muscles, which were impeding DD's progression.) I was in really good shape during pregnancy, but I think it matters more that you are strong (legs especially) than fit - and you can certainly get as strong as you want between now and #2... squats are your friend (that is what my prenatal yoga instructor used to say as she was torturing us). :grin: </p> <p>I will say, however, that my labor pretty much screwed me over... I ended up with a hemorrhage (because my muscles were so tired) and I now have "zero kegel strength" according to my MW. It SUCKS and that is something I *really* need to start working on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632984 Wed, 14 May 2014 07:51:54 +0000 knittylady 1632984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No epi, terrible shape and pushed three hours. He was 9lbd with a huge head but I wonder often if being in shape might have helped... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632981 Wed, 14 May 2014 07:49:52 +0000 bushelandapeck 1632981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No epidural, 1 hr 45 min of pushing and I would say I was in pretty good shape going into it (working out or walking almost everyday). I'm no where near as good of shape this time around and I'm nervous about how it will be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632978 Wed, 14 May 2014 07:46:22 +0000 LovelyPlum 1632978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I didn't push for very long-an hour- and o still needed the vacuum assist, even with an epi. I was so, so tired by that point that I just needed some help. I sometimes struggle with needing it, but I know I shouldn't. You birthed a baby, regardless of how. No shame in that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632795 Wed, 14 May 2014 01:12:10 +0000 lemondrop 1632795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With #1 I had a "walking epi" (very low dose, turned off when I started pushing) and pushed for 3 hours before delivering. With #2 I had the same epi, and pushed for 15 minutes. I did need a vacuum, but it was because his hand was by his face. Both labors were under 8 hours total and I am very active. I learned that every pregnancy, labor, delivery, and baby are different- just because #1 went a certain way does not guarantee #2 to be the same! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632794 Wed, 14 May 2014 01:07:40 +0000 rachiecakes 1632794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NurseMommy: I had an epidural and am pretty fit and they had to use a vacuum. He was in a bad position (posterior and crooked, stuck under pubic bone), Dr. called csection if vacuum didn't work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632793 Wed, 14 May 2014 01:02:27 +0000 Glitter 1632793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not have an epidural and I don't think I'm particularly fit - average weight but never exercise. Was on bed rest also for the last three months of pregnancy. I pushed for about 45 minutes. I think a lot of it had to do with technique as well as not having pain meds and being able to feel exactly where to push. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632785 Wed, 14 May 2014 00:21:10 +0000 StbHisMrs 1632785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't work out during pregnancy but I was in good shape, I got an epi (didn't fully take), and I pushed for over an hour. I think I just stink at pushing, all 3 took more than hour </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632778 Wed, 14 May 2014 00:04:28 +0000 ScarletBegonia 1632778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did Pilates 3x/week throughout my pregnancy, and felt strong and ready for labour, in my core especially. In the end I don't think it mattered. I pushed for an hour unmedicated and since my baby's head didn't drop at all in that time, I was allowed to have an epidural (not usually done at that late stage), pushed for another 1.5/2hrs, and ended up needing forceps. The OB that delivered Aaron told me that I would definitely have had a c-section if I hadn't been able to push as hard as I did, that foreceps are 70% the mom pushing, 30% the instruments (ventouse even more so, 90% moms work)...but who knows?? I was so numbed out by that point I couldn't tell what I was doing. They had me fully prepped for a c-section so I was completely numb from the boobs down!</p> <p>No matter what, nothing that happens in labour and delivery is anyone's fault!! I think you just go in with your plan and do your best to see if through, but if it doesn't happen it doesn't happen. Healthy baby &amp; healthy mom FTW! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632768 Tue, 13 May 2014 23:44:48 +0000 Kemma 1632768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Miss A was a ventouse delivery after 2.5 hours of pushing. Long story short, my waters broke about five hours before active labour was established and she just didn't have enough fluid to get herself turned properly. I got my epidural 22 hours after my waters broke because my labour had stalled and I needed Syntocinin to get my labour moving again (LO was born about twelve hours after I got my epidural).</p> <p>I wouldn't say I was really fit but I had managed to keep walking / waddling with my 40kg dog until I was 41 weeks pregnant! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632755 Tue, 13 May 2014 23:26:00 +0000 skipra 1632755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just want to say that i definitely was not physically fit during my pregnancy and had a short pushing stage with both deliveries. One was with epidural and one without. Its not your fault that you had a vacuum assist! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-pushed-for-a-long-time#post-1632753 Tue, 13 May 2014 23:19:16 +0000 Zbug 1632753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in good shape and still pushed for about two hours. No epidural or an other interventions though. I thought pushing would go faster since I worked out throughout my pregnancy, but nope. Luckily, all was going fine so they let me just keep at it. </p>