Reet you need to wait until the placenta is seperating from the wall of the uterus as otherwise there is a risk of pulling the uterus out also (inverted uterus where its inside out if that makes sense very unpleasant) I've only seen this twice so its rare but if you just pulled the cord the rate would be much higher. Or else you can pull the cord and snap it or rip it of the placenta. Often when this happens and this is common its not a problem and the mother can push the placenta out without any cord traction but sometimes it will cause haemorrage as until the placenta has detached from the uterus it has a lovely vessel supply. Not a problem for bub as he/she is out by then but it can be from mum. Another reason for a physiological 3rd stage of labour in comparison to active (drugs, tugging etc) as its allowing it to come on its own.

With my first I pushed for 2.5hrs but she was posterior and the midwife had me pushing before I had any urge so I didn't have my body to go with. I think had I been allowed to wait until the urge was there it would have been quicker. I insisted on waiting with no2 although I'd been fully dilated for 30minutes before and when I pushed it took literally 1minute and she was out. That time I couldn't have not pushed for the life of me.

As for the cord been to short I have only come across that 2-3times and then its clamped and cut so mum can have bub on her chest. The few I've seen have been so short that they have needed to be cut to get them above the vagina if that makes sense. One was about 25cm and it did cause a few minor complications. Mum had some tugging during labour on one side (where the cord was attached) and when she pushed the baby was stuck as the cord wasn't long enough. It did snap all was ok but now I'd be more aware if someone complained about a tugging sensation during labour. But I'd say well over 99% of cords are normal length.

T-Hopes woohoo on been 24weeks. Your so close now don't find out.

Well my morning resulted in me getting a flat tyre 40kms from home on a dirt road. My car is a patrol so I knew I couldn't change the tyre (Ive been doing it for years) but the weight of the tyre been pregnant made it impossible. Luckily my Dad was able to come to the rescue or else I'd still be walking.