An anterior lip is not uncommon, especially if baby is in a posterior position.  It is where the front rim or lip of the cervix still needs to be taken up before a woman can start to bear down.  A problem can arise if a woman has an overwhelming urge to bear down, or starts to push involuntarily before full dilatation has occurred.  If you push against cervix that is still present, then it becomes very swollen and can take even longer to disappear.  This is a very difficult time for a woman – NOT to push when she has an overwhelming urge TO push.