EBB 404 - Mini Q&A about Average Time Spent Pushing, Precipitous Labor, and Okra Water During the Third Trimester

EBB 404 - Mini Q&A about Average Time Spent Pushing, Precipitous Labor, and Okra Water During the Third Trimester

From Evidence Based Birth® by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

July 15, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Dr. Rebecca Dekker answers questions about the pushing phase of labor, precipitous labor, and the effects of okra water during pregnancy.

How long does the pushing phase of labor typically last? Does precipitous labor run in families? And can drinking okra water actually make labor and birth easier? In this Q&A episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker tackles three questions submitted by EBB Pro Members. First, Dr. Dekker details the findings of a recently published study from France that found many birthing people spent less than 15 minutes actively pushing before birth. She explains the concept of delayed pushing and why these results may not be easily replicated in other birth settings. She also reviews the available evidence on precipitous labor, birth that occurs within three hours of the onset of contractions, and discusses whether fast labors appear to run in families. Finally, she examines the growing social media trend of drinking okra water during pregnancy, exploring the cultural history of okra as a nutritious food, separating popular claims from scientific evidence, and discussing what researchers currently know (and don't know) about its effects during pregnancy. (02:34) Delayed pushing and active pushing times under 15 minutes (04:22) Understanding delayed pushing practices in France versus the United States…

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