i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

i've seen that phrase a few times now...
gulp!what is it exactly? is it when you tear and it feels like you are on fire down there?

Message edited 8/5/2008 11:05:18 AM.

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

When the baby is crowing and the head is stretching your "ahem" so much it burns

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

I found this:

"During pushing and delivery, your baby's head will begin to make an appearance through your vaginal opening with each contraction. When your baby's head remains visible and does not slip back in, it is known as crowning.

What you should know about crowning:
When your baby's head crowns, you will experience a burning or stinging sensation, often referred to as “the ring of fire,” as your baby stretches the vaginal opening. As soon as you feel this, stop pushing! This is very important because if you continue to push and bear down, you increase your risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy. If you forget, your doctor or midwife will remind you.

The burning or stinging sensation only lasts for a short time and is followed by a numb feeling. This is due to your baby's head stretching your vaginal tissue so thin that the nerves are blocked. The result is a natural anesthetic.

There is no set time frame for how long this will last.

Tips to fight that urge to push:
Lean back and try to go limp.
Make a conscious effort to relax the muscles of the perineal floor (the layers of muscles and tissue between the vagina and rectum).
Focus your energy into deep breathing techniques.
Allow your contractions to do the work for you during this time. "

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

not looking forward to that part! on the fence about going all natural...
thanks for the explaination!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

OMG Gabi! I think I'm in trouble!



I'm starting to get a little nervous about this whole delivery thing

Although I'm sure we'll all do just fine

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

When I came across the paragraph on the "ring of fire" a few weeks ago I nearly passed out!! The only good news is they say it only lasts a minute or two. Let's hope so!!!!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Do you still feel this if you have an epidural?

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

I've never heard that expression, but it does pretty much sum up how it feels

Don't worry girls, you can do it!!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

OMG. Someone pass the smelling salts please..

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Not looking forward to this!!!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

yoooowza

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Posted by hunnybunnyxoxo

not looking forward to that part! on the fence about going all natural...
thanks for the explaination!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

NEVER felt it. I had an epidural. I had a ring of numbness, lol!!

My epi prob worked TOO well (didn't even feel pressure). But he was out in 5 minutes!! I was pushing the right way and he was very low to begin with.

My mom always talked about the ring of fire...she had 6 of us with just demerol, no epi. I'm glad I didn't experinence it to tell you the truth....I could do w/out!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Wanted to add..they DID turn off my epi about 45 minutes before i pushed and still didn't feel a damn thing. 6 hours after I had DS I was able to feel my left leg...I loved my epi

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Oh my

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

I never heard of this before but I do remember exactly that moment of delivery. I didn't have an epi, so I felt it. That was the only moment that I questioned my ability to handle the pain, but obviously I made it through.

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Posted by greeneyes361708

Posted by hunnybunnyxoxo

not looking forward to that part! on the fence about going all natural...
thanks for the explaination!

There is no escaping the ring of fire! Even with an epidural you feel it. I felt it less with my all natural birth

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

Posted by nyteacher13

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

You know its so close- my nurse kept saying little pushes now, so I wouldn't tear- that you are too excited to care. You just want it over at this point!

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

I had an epi and didn't feel the ring of fire! I did feel pressure though so I knew when to push.

Re: i am afraid to ask but here goes, what is "the ring of fire"?

WHY would I read this post?!? This is the reason I am avoiding birthing classes- the less I know, the better