During which stage of labor does a woman typically feel a strong urge to move her bowels?

The second stage of labor is characterized by the descent and delivery of the baby. During this stage, the woman typically experiences strong and overwhelming urges to bear down, which may often feel similar to the urge to have a bowel movement. This occurs because as the baby's head descends into the birth canal, it exerts pressure on the rectum and pelvic floor. This physiological response is a natural part of the labor process, indicating that the body is progressing toward delivery.

In contrast, the first stage of labor involves the cervix dilating and effacing, which does not usually produce the same sensations associated with bowel urgency. The third stage of labor occurs after the baby is delivered, focusing on the delivery of the placenta, which does not typically involve pushing or significant bowel pressure. The active labor phase is part of the first stage and occurs before the second stage, where contractions help to further dilate the cervix rather than prompt a strong urge to move the bowels.