When a mother feels the natural Fetal Ejection Reflex what is happening is that her body is releasing a huge surge of adrenaline into her bloodstream and this is when she normally wakes her out of the labour trance. Some mothers lose their inhibitions completely and may behave in emotionally explosive ways.
Unfortunately, many women don't experience this sensation as birth has become medicalised and the fetus ejection reflex can be disturbed by vaginal examinations, fundal pressure, masculinization of the birth environment, electronic monitoring equipment, cameras, even eye contact.
When the adrenaline is released this surge triggers strong, powerful contractions which move the baby from the uterus and into the birth canal. The pressure of the baby's head in the vagina stimulates the Ferguson reflex, which is the uncontrollable expulsion of the baby, which happens when nerves in the pelvis are stimulated as the baby descends through the birth canal.
- FER can happen in various positions, and occurs more often when the space is quiet, private, and dark.
- The birthing person will often tell you that they aren’t doing anything, but their body is.
- Some people report that this type of pushing feels good, others say that activity pushing during this stage feels better. There is no wrong way.
Did you feel this uncontrollable urge to bear down with this reflex?
