The transition from the first stage of labour to the second stage is the shortest phase, but it is the most intense. This is the time when emotionally you get exhausted and it becomes difficult for both you and your partner. At such times you need to try and relax and concentrate more on your breathing.

• If you want to push early, say huff, huff blow to yourself, taking two short in and out breaths and blowing a longer breathe out. 
  

• When the need to push fades, give a slow, even breath out.

• You will be tired, may feel disheartened and tearful, excitable or just bad-tempered.
  

• You will lose all sense of time and doze off between contractions.
  

• Nausea, vomiting and shivering are common too.
  

• At this stage just calm down.
  

• Tell your midwife, when you have a strong urge to push.

• Be positive.
  

• Encourage your partner to change position.
  

• Do not leave your partner for any reason.
  

• Tell your partner that she is wonderful.
  

• Wipe your partners faces with a cool cloth.
  

• Offer you partner sip of liquid or ice chips.
  

• Help your partner apply lip balm to prevent dry lips.
  

• Try acupressure.
  

• Stay calm.
  

• Maintain eye contact with your partner if she becomes confused or panicky.
  

• Tell your partner that labour is almost over.
  

• Encourage your partner to breathe evenly and slowly.
  

• Breathe with your partner if she begins to breathe too rapidly.
  

• Get your partner to focus on you and to imitate your rate of breathing.
  

• If your partner feels "tingly ", help her to stop hyperventilating by directing her to cup her hands around her mouth and recreate the air she exhales.

• The cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm. 
  

• At 1 cm, the cervix is well stretched out around the baby's head. 
  

• At 10 cm the cervix is fully stretched and the cervix cannot be done by the hand.

• Kneel down and lean forward, resting your head in your arms; stick your bottom in the air. 
  
• This reduces the urge to push.