Now this is gunna sound weird - but I have tried it and it works ...

During my pre-labour reading, I have read a few theories on sphincter relaxation ie throat, vagina, anus ....

Ok, when we strain we usually make a face and grimace and hold our breath hahahaha - all that glamourous stuff. Try sitting up straight, relax your throat and mouth, letting your jaw drop - if your throat is relaxed, other areas can relax too KWIM??

As I said, sounds weird but I have tried it and it has worked for me ...

If not, everything everyone else has said