Birth and afterbirth

Birth and afterbirth

The childbirth process

  • Cervix thins and dilates during labor. As your baby moves through your pelvis, their head usually rotates to face your spine.
  • As your uterus pushes your baby through your pelvis, their head begins to show, or "crown."
  • After most of your baby's head is born, their shoulders move through your pelvis and they begin to rotate again.
  • After your baby's head and shoulders are born, the rest of their body slips out.

Source: Allina Health Patient Education, Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, eighth edition, ob-ah-90026
First Published: 10/04/2002
Last Reviewed: 12/06/2021