The verb Pujar

Question

I am watching a movie and the doctor is delivering a baby and he tells the mother "puja". I think, why is it not "empuja". So I look up "pujar" and one of the definitions is "to struggle or strain". It also means to bid in an auction, or to be on the verge of tears. All very different usages. Anyway just thought I would share a new verb (for me anyway) with you all.

Answer 1

Es sinónimo de empujar, por lo que entiendo yo.

pujar1. (Del lat. puls?re, empujar). 1. tr. Hacer fuerza para pasar adelante o proseguir una acción, procurando vencer el obstáculo que se encuentra.

http://lema.rae.es/drae/?val=pujar