<\/p>\n
The last thing you want during childbirth is to have someone\u2019s fingers poking inside you! \u00a0Here\u2019s how to track labor without<\/strong> a vaginal exam:<\/p>\n Midwife Anne Frye says research backs up the 2cm-wide \u201cred line.\u201d\u00a0 It starts just behind the anus and moves up the gluteal cleft (butt crack) as your body opens.\u00a0 It\u2019s closely associated with baby moving down.\u00a0 It deepens to a purple color as it moves up to the area around your sacrum.<\/p>\n Your sacrum is the bony plate at the base of your spine \u2013 feel for your tailbone then move your fingers up.\u00a0 Both will start to bulge out as baby\u2019s head moves down into your pelvis.\u00a0 You may instinctively feel for this as baby presses against the flexible sacrum.<\/p>\n Even if your labor began with a bloody show (or didn\u2019t), you may have a second show as the cervix opens fully.\u00a0 This one is usually thick and mucousy, and can be very stretchy.\u00a0 After this you\u2019ll shift into the pushing stage.<\/p>\n Women often get goosebumps on their bottom just before they feel the urge to push! \u00a0This is likely caused by the release of catecholamines, hormones that give you energy to push your baby out.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll often intuitively change positions as you progress.\u00a0 Many women spiral their hips more in transition.\u00a0 As pushing begins, you\u2019ll likely choose a wider position, rock your bottom, and lean forward.<\/p>\n Your body knows how to do this \u2013 no exams needed!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n#1 \u2013 Watch the Red (and Purple) Line<\/h2>\n
#2 \u2013 Your Sacrum Pushes Out<\/h2>\n
#3 \u2013 A Second Bloody Show<\/h2>\n
#4 – Goose Bumps on Your Bum<\/h2>\n
#5 – Your Position (and Intuition)<\/h2>\n