After crowning, which is when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening and does not slip back in between contractions, the baby typically comes very soon, usually within a few minutes to about 30 minutes for most births. Crowning is considered the final stage of the second stage of labor, meaning full dilation has occurred and pushing is nearly complete. Once crowning happens, the mother is instructed to pant or give small pushes to allow the head to emerge slowly to prevent tearing, and the head is born, followed quickly by shoulders and body in the next contraction or two. For first-time mothers, it may take 10 to 20 minutes after crowning for the baby to be fully delivered as tissues stretch. For experienced mothers who have given birth before, it can be just 1 to 3 pushes and a few minutes. In some cases, if pushing is ineffective or there is distress, it can take longer, but generally once crowning is seen, birth is imminent and the finish line is very near. The intense burning sensation at crowning is often called the ring of fire, and after that the pressure eases as the baby emerges.
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