Also don't forget that a baby's skull isn't a solid piece of bone, it will mould and shape as much as it needs to so it can be born.
Great point, Trill.


it would have been medically necessary because the cervix will only dilate to 10cms and the baby probably would have torn the cervix and caused internal bleeding
Hey Curly. I'm no MW, but to me this looks as though someone has taken this little gem right out of the PROMA study. (Pulled Right Out of My A...)
Forgive me if I am mistaken, but isn't the whole number of cm thing a bit of an estimate? No one has taken a ruler to me during labour. The reality is, the cervix dilates and effaces so that it is flush with the os. When you are fully dilated, I believe it is generally not possible to feel the cervix, so who knows how much 'give' is left in it?
Did you tear in your last births? Internal tearing is possible, but there are lots of things you can do to minimise that risk for yourself. Kelly has already spoken about positioning during labour and you can prep yourself to try not to 'push' as much as just let your body propel the baby out, KWIM?
If I were you, I would read loads of fabulous birthing articles to increase your confidence in yourself once again.