Pregnant ring of fire: What does it mean?
Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you’re looking into the ring of fire, then it’s likely that your baby is almost due. In this blog, we’re covering the pregnant ring of fire: What does it mean?
This blog includes:
- What is the ring of fire in pregnancy?
- How long does ring of fire last during labor?
- When does the ring of fire happen?
- Do you feel ring of fire when you have an epidural?
- How painful is crowning during childbirth?
- How to avoid the ring of fire during birth
- Tips for dealing with the pregnancy ring of fire
Giving birth is such an exciting time. It can be a different experience for many women, so it’s important not to compare your own story with someone else’s.
Women can often feel nervous about giving birth. It’s important to seek advice if you do feel worried about anything. A healthcare professional can listen to your concerns and make valuable suggestions. You may find it useful to read some positive birth stories in your third trimester. This can be helpful if this is your first baby!
What is the ring of fire in pregnancy?
Many women experience the ‘ring of fire’ in pregnancy. This occurs when the baby’s head begins crowning during the later stages of labour. The phrase ‘baby crowning’ is used when the baby’s head becomes visible as they are just about to be born through the vaginal opening. Essentially, they are travelling down the birth canal.
The ‘ring of fire’ is often described as a burning sensation, although it can also cause a stinging sensation.
How long does ring of fire last during labor?
Most women describe the ring of fire as lasting for just a few minutes. However, it can come and go with contractions, so you may experience it for longer. The sensation occurs as the baby’s head expands the vaginal opening. You should tell your midwife if the pain is lasting for a long time.
During labour, the midwife will continuously measure your dilation. Cervical dilation is measured in centimetres. It is when you reach 10cm dilated that birth is imminent. There are three stages of labor.
- First stage (early labor) – 0cm – 4cm dilated
- Active phase – 4cm until fully dilated and giving birth to baby
- Third and final stage – Placenta is birthed
For the placenta to be delivered, the womb has to contract. When giving birth to the placenta, you can do so naturally or with some help. The help involves receiving treatment to speed up the process. It’s totally up to you which option you choose. Some women are advised to have the treatment.
There’s no way of knowing how long each stage of labour will last for you. Your midwife will help you through the process and try to help you relax.
When does the ring of fire happen?
The ring of fire occurs towards the end of the second stage of labor. This is because it involves the baby’s head being ready to be born.
Your midwife will be closely monitoring you during labour, but you should let them know of any changes in pain. As your baby’s head emerges, they may advise you to change the way you’re pushing.
With the baby’s head stretching your body, you may need to push much slower during your vaginal delivery. When your baby’s head is crowning, you can be sure that it won’t be long before they’re born.
Do you feel ring of fire when you have an epidural?
Most women will experience the ring of fire if they haven’t received any pain medication. You may also still feel it after having pain-relieving medication.
Women that receive an epidural are unlikely to experience the ring of fire in pregnancy. An epidural is an injection that is inserted into the back to help relieve pain. They are commonly used during childbirth. They can be used for a caesarean or vaginal birth. After an epidural, you’re unlikely to feel the baby crowning.
After an epidural has been stopped, it can take a few hours for the anaesthetic to wear off. It can cause numbness in the limbs and may also make you feel weaker than normal. The healthcare professionals will ensure that you know what to expect and that you are cared for.
How painful is crowning during childbirth?
There’s no denying that childbirth can be painful. As we said earlier, everyone experiences it differently, and there’s no way of knowing how you’ll find it. Even if you’ve had children before, you might have a totally different experience next time.
It can be a good idea to note down any feelings or pain during the early stages of labour. Then, when you arrive at the hospital, you can let the labor and delivery nurse know. They will continue to monitor you through the birthing process and can help with pain relief if you require it.
The crowning stage is labelled as being quite painful, but thankfully it doesn’t tend to last long. The ring of fire only tends to last while the baby’s head is being birthed. However, it may come and go with your contractions.
This stage usually only takes a few minutes. It’s definitely best to ask for advice if you feel you are struggling with the pain for a long time. Read our blog on the childbirth pain scale.
How to avoid the ring of fire during birth
Some women may not receive pain relief and still not experience the pregnancy ring of fire. However, there’s not really any sure way to avoid it altogether. You’ll just have to wait and see how your body reacts during labour.
Of course, if you choose to have a strong epidural during labour, it’s unlikely that you’ll feel the ring of fire during childbirth.
Tips for dealing with the pregnancy ring of fire
Despite there being no way to know for sure that you won’t experience a ring of fire, there are some tips that may help.
Before giving birth
- Picture a relaxing environment that you can re-visit when you need to
- Practice breathing through contraction pains – some antenatal classes may help you with preparing for labour
- Create a birth plan – a birth plan doesn’t always go to plan, but you might still find it useful to have one
- Perineal massage
During the baby’s birth
- Have a water birth
- Remember the breathing techniques you’ve learnt from a childbirth class
- Find your best position – different birthing positions you could try include: side lying, on your hands and knees, semi-squatting or semi-kneeling (these positions may also help to reduce the risk of vaginal tears)
- Focusing on your breathing is one of the best ways to get through labour and particularly the ring of fire.
You should try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can help you to relax. If you’re spending time focusing on your breathing, your mind is distracted. With the baby’s head crowning, you’re probably only minutes away from holding your baby in your arms.
Different degrees of tears
Some pregnant women experience tearing during birth. These are categorised into first-degree tears, second-degree tears, third-degree tears and fourth-degree tears.
First-degree tears involve small cuts, and second-degree tears involve some muscle tears. Third-degree tears involve the muscle surrounding the bottom, and fourth-degree tears involve cuts further into the bottom area. You may find that your tear requires stitches or surgery. If your tear requires surgery, a healthcare provider will ensure that you are treated effectively. This it can take a few weeks to heal.
Giving birth
Many women find it useful to attend antenatal classes during pregnancy. Antenatal classes can help you to learn more about becoming a parent. They can also support you with childbirth. You may learn about how to create a birth plan and how to stay calm during labour.
Your birthing partner may be able to attend some antenatal classes with you. This can be useful as they learn how to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for you.
We hope this blog has been helpful regarding the pregnant ring of fire. Essentially, it can be described as a stinging sensation or burning sensation as the baby crowns in the birth canal. Good luck with your childbirth experience and meeting your newborn baby!
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!