What Is the Ring of Fire in Pregnancy?

Crowning during delivery is often referred to as the "ring of fire." Learn more about this stage, what it feels like, and how to cope.

Medically reviewed by Andrea Chisholm, MD FACOG

If you Google the phrase “ring of fire,” you will likely see information on an area in the Pacific Ocean where multiple volcanic eruptions and earthquakes happen. Because of the intense activity in this circular region, it is not surprising that people have also labeled a baby’s crowning as the ring of fire. Not only is this portion of your baby’s delivery intense, but it also can create a burning sensation.

Crowning is that final portion of your baby’s delivery when their head becomes visible in the birth canal. For some birthing people, this is an exciting—and relieving—part of labor and delivery. But for others, it can be painful or uncomfortable. Either way, the ring of fire is not something to be feared.

To help alleviate some of the mystery and apprehension about the ring of fire, we'll explore all there is to know about crowning. We'll also delve into why it’s called the ring of fire, and what you can do to manage this portion of the birthing process. 

Related: This Is What Your Baby Experiences During Labor and Delivery

What Is Crowning?

Crowning is the moment your baby’s head or presenting part is making its way through the vaginal opening, explains Ellen Smead, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at Northside Women's Specialists, Pediatrix Medical Group. “This is often one of the most exciting moments in the birth room when everyone knows the baby is finally making its way out after all of the hard work of the [birthing parent].”

At this point in the delivery process, the widest part of your baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening and it doesn’t slip back inside at the end of a contraction, adds Angela Genzale, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, a registered nurse certified in obstetrics and fetal monitoring and a certified life coach. Because of this, you may experience intense pressure and stretching of your perineal tissues, she says.

Crowning is the last part of the second stage of labor, which can last from 20 minutes to two hours. But there may be some variation in this timeframe given the unique circumstances of your labor and delivery. A health care provider will tell you when to push once the baby’s head crowns. And you should do your best to listen to their instructions—even if you have the urge to push sooner.

Why Is Crowning Called the "Ring of Fire?"

Historically, the phrase “ring of fire” was used to describe volcanic eruptions that took place across the globe, says Smead. “When looking at a map, you can see that the locations make a ring of fiery eruptions disrupting the layers of the Earth.”

Crowning can be called a ring of fire because it is the point of delivery when the tissues of the vaginal opening are stretching as much as possible to accommodate the fetal head, she adds. “This results in a stinging or burning sensation for most people, but thankfully it is brief and also an exciting time for all in the room knowing the baby is almost born!”

What Does the Ring of Fire Feel Like?

Some people describe the ring of fire as a tightness that builds to pressure and then escalates to a burning sensation, explains Smead.

Others have noted that crowning also causes intense rectal pressure, Genzale adds. “But not everyone will experience the ring of fire. Sometimes babies go from crowning to birth in seconds.”

You also may not experience the ring of fire if you have an epidural. Instead, the medication from this intervention may mask the symptoms, or you may experience it less intensely than someone without medications. Crowning also is usually longer with a first baby than with subsequent births, Genzale adds.

What Should I Do During the Ring of Fire?

During the ring of fire or while your baby is crowning, a health care provider will coach you through the pushing process, including when it is best to start.

Pushing too soon could potentially lead to tearing your perineum, or the skin between your vagina and rectum, so you should do your best to wait on the provider’s instructions.

“Pant and try to do small grunting pushes, not full force pushes,” Genzale says. “It’s hard, but if you can tolerate it for even a few seconds, it can allow the tissue to stretch slowly as the head passes through the ‘ring of fire’ and minimize or prevent tearing in the process. Full-force pushes at this point can often lead to tearing of the tissue.”

At this point, delivery should be very close, she adds. “But in my 30 years of practice, I certainly have seen babies crown for an extended period of time! Usually that is when the perineal tissue is strong, or there is a tight band of tissue that doesn’t stretch well. If the provider is very patient and the baby’s heartbeat is stable, it’s fine not to rush it and let the tissue stretch to avoid tearing.”

What if I Tear When My Baby Crowns?

It is very common to experience lacerations or vaginal tearing during the delivery of the fetal head, Smead says. In fact, one study notes that 70% of people who have a vaginal birth will experience some damage to the perineum during birth—either through natural tearing or by receiving an episiotomy, though the latter is not very common.

“A midwife or OB-GYN is trained to repair any tears or lacerations with sutures (stitches),” Smead adds. “The repairs are completed just after the delivery of the placenta, and usually heal just fine.”

Keep in mind, your vagina and the superficial skin layers are made to stretch and recover for birth, so try not to dwell on the risks of tearing, if possible.

“I am happy to say that with the changes in hospital practices—including no routine episiotomies and allowing tissue to stretch naturally (even when it takes a long time!)—I have seen a dramatic decrease in the incidence and severity of tears,” says Genzale.

Related: Is Episiotomy or Tearing During Labor Worse?

Are There Ways to Prevent Tearing or Reduce Pain During the Ring of Fire?

If you are concerned about the potential for tearing or you want to know how to reduce the discomfort of the ring of fire, there are some things you can do. For instance, some health care providers recommend massaging the perineum, using warm compresses, or changing your birthing position to all fours.

There are several studies that show placing warm compresses on the perineum reduces the likelihood of second and third-degree perineal tears. The researchers also note that the warmth also reduces the pain intensity during the second stage of labor and after childbirth.

Meanwhile another study found that warm compresses and massage may reduce third‐ and fourth‐degree tears. And in a third study, researchers note that warm compresses may even shorten the duration of the second stage of labor.

“A midwife [or birth partner] can apply a warm washcloth at that critical moment,” Smead says. “Other things are the use of lubrication with an oil or gel applied to the vaginal opening and perineum at the start of the second stage of labor, which is the pushing phase.”

The Bottom Line

While hearing terms like “ring of fire,” tearing, or episiotomy may cause you to feel anxious or concerned, try not to dwell on these possibilities. Everyone experiences crowing differently and there is no guarantee you will feel the ring of fire like it has been described. In fact, you may not experience it at all.

Instead, focus on the things you can control, like managing your discomfort with interventions such as massage and warm compresses. Also, continue to educate yourself about what to expect during the different stages of labor. Understanding what’s going to happen to your body—and when—will not only reduce the number of surprises, but it also can help you feel empowered and in control.

Related: Labor Contractions vs. Pushing: What Hurts More?

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