Ring of Fire: What Does Baby Crowning Actually Mean?

If you’re expecting, you might have heard about the “ring of fire,” aka baby crowning, during labor. While it’s one of the most intense parts of labor—hence the name—there are definitely ways to make it easier on yourself. Read on for what baby crowning is, when it happens, what it feels like and some tips to get you through. (Spoiler alert: Preparing early can help you “push” through this phase with less tearing!)

What Is Baby Crowning?

When a mom-to-be or pregnant person pushes during labor, there’s a phase when baby’s head goes in and out of the vaginal opening, says Rebecca Keith, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn at Pediatrix Medical Group in Kentucky. “We always say, ‘Two steps forward and one step back,’” says Keith. But after a while, you’ll start to see some forward progression. “Crowning is when the top of baby’s head remains outside of the vagina between pushes,” Keith explains. “It’s called crowning because you can see the portion of baby’s head that would be surrounded by a crown if you were looking down on a person’s head.”

When Does Crowning Occur?

Crowning happens near the end of the second stage of labor, which is the pushing phase, explains Keith. “At this point, the head is very close to delivery,” she says. “The ‘crown’ is stretching the vaginal opening to give room for the rest of the head and body to be delivered.”

What Does Baby Crowning Feel Like?

You might ask yourself: What does baby crowning feel like? Keith says you might feel a “tight, burning sensation” as baby’s head crowns, as well as possibly a feeling of tearing at the vaginal opening. You’ll also experience a considerable amount of pressure, and you might even feel like you need to poop. (Remember: Pooping during labor is completely normal!)

But the sensation also depends on whether you have an epidural. “If a birthing person has an epidural, they may feel mild to moderate to strong feelings of pressure. A person without an epidural will likely feel a great deal of discomfort,” says Sara Holt, CNM, MS, CAS, PMH-C, a certified nurse midwife in Portland, Oregon, and founder of Byenveni Baby, a community that offers lactation services, gynecology and full-scope midwifery.

Here’s some good news: This discomfort should only last a few seconds to a couple of minutes. “For someone who has had several vaginal births, crowning usually is very quick. For a first-time mom, baby may sit in the crown position through several contractions,” says Keith.

Why is it sometimes referred to as the ring of fire?

You might hear people calling baby crowning the “the ring of fire.” There’s a perfectly good explanation for this terminology. When baby crowns, the tissue in the vaginal opening gets stretched—significantly. “The stretched tissue or skin causes certain pain fibers to react and creates a burning sensation, hence the ‘ring of fire,’" explains Keith.

What to Do When Baby Is Crowning

Remember to listen to your body and take it slowly. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that between 53 and 79 percent of birthing people experience some sort of tearing during vaginal childbirth. Holt suggests that a slow crowning phase is extremely helpful in protecting against tearing. “One thing that influences how leisurely we can be is if baby’s tolerating this phase of labor,” she says. “We monitor the fetal heart rate. If baby’s looking good, my preferred method of birth is to not push through crowning and allow the uterine contractions to birth the head, millimeter by millimeter.”

Here are some other crowning tips recommended by experts:

• Apply mineral oil or another lubricant while baby’s crowning, says Keith
• Compress a warm, wet washcloth on the perineum area during pushing, suggests Holt
• Stay focused and listen for cues from your birthing team, says Holt
• Try using a mirror to help you see your progress, says Holt. “Many people are initially hesitant when we ask if they would like a mirror, but it can be empowering!”

Can You Prepare for Baby Crowning in Advance?

Absolutely! “A good childbirth education class is a solid place to start,” says Holt. Using a doula can also help.

If you’re pregnant and preparing for baby crowning, feeling some nervousness is understandable. This can be an overwhelming time, especially for first-timers. But knowing that crowning is an entirely normal process of labor and that it should only last a few seconds to a couple of minutes can be reassuring. Plus, with the help of a childbirth class, you’ll be even more prepared.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.