Birth and afterbirth

The childbirth process

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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

Reviewed By: Allina Health's Patient Education Department experts

First Published: 10/04/2002

Last Reviewed: 12/06/2021