What’s Laboring Down?

Last updated September 2026

Whew! You made it! You’re finally at 10 cm dilated, that means it’s time to start pushing, right? Well… maybe not yet.

Reaching 10 centimeters means your cervix is fully dilated, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your baby is ready to be born right away. Your baby may still need some time to move farther down into the pelvis and get into a good position for birth.

Your baby’s station describes how far down your baby has moved into the pelvis. Station is measured in relation to two bony points in the pelvis called the ischial spines. Negative numbers mean your baby is still higher in the pelvis, while positive numbers mean your baby has moved farther down. Your doctor or midwife will be able to gauge dilation and station during a cervical exam.

So, what is laboring down?

Laboring down simply means waiting for a period of time after reaching 10 centimeters before actively pushing. During this time, your contractions continue doing some of the work of helping your baby move farther down.

This is sometimes used when someone has an epidural and doesn’t yet feel a strong urge to push.

Is it better to wait before pushing?

Not necessarily. This is one area where the research has changed over the years.

Older research suggested there could be several benefits to laboring down. However, a large study of first-time mothers with epidurals found that waiting to push did not increase the chances of having a vaginal birth. Those who waited spent a little less time actively pushing, but the total amount of time between reaching 10 centimeters and giving birth was longer. The study also found an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage and infection among those who delayed pushing.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs to start pushing the second they reach 10 centimeters, either. There may be times when waiting a little while for your baby to move farther down makes sense. Your baby’s position and station, whether you feel an urge to push, whether you have an epidural, and how you and your baby are doing can all play a role.

If this is something you’re interested in, talk with your doctor or midwife during pregnancy about when they typically recommend beginning to push. And when the time comes, the decision can be based on what’s happening with you and your baby in that moment.

Want to feel confident having the support you need when it comes time for your labor and birth? Hire a Tampa doula with Buddha Belly Doulas!

Learn more about your options in our Labor and Birth Preparation Guide.

Christie Rinder Founder Buddha Belly Doulas

Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.

Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a doula and agency owner, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie