What if labour does not progress

A prolonged active phase is defined by the total duration of hours in labour, or failure of the cervix to dilate. Normal first-time mothers can expect active labour for six hours, with an upper limit of about 12 hours.

Women having their second or subsequent labours normally take three hours to fully dilate, and have an upper limit of six hours to dilate at this stage. A dilation rate of 1 cm per hour is typical. The second stage of labour refers to a time from full dilation to the birth of the baby. First babies usually take an hour to be born with upper limits of three hours. Women with 2 or more babies average 20 minutes but have a upper normal of 1 hour.

Slow second stage is encouraged with position changes, information on effective pushing techniques, and sometimes through medical interventions such as forceps. The interval between contractions shortens and the duration and strength of the contraction increases. This is done through monitoring the contractions and vaginal exams. If labour is not progressing and the power of contractions does not seem to be increasing interventions will sometimes be required.

Natural methods of intervention used to promote labour include nipple stimulation, position changes, food and fluids, herbs, homeopathy, and rupturing the membranes. A more medical approach may involve having an intravenous with a hormone called oxytocin. Some problems that can occur include:. There are a number of possible causes of prolonged labor. During the latent phase, slow effacement of the cervix can cause labor time to increase.

Carrying multiples may also lead to prolonged labor, as might weak uterine contractions, or an incorrect position of the baby. Research has also linked prolonged labor or failure to progress to psychological factors, such as worry, stress, or fear.

Additionally, certain pain medications can slow or weaken your contractions. Although some causes of prolonged labor may require medical intervention, there are some steps you can take to ease your way.

If you are failing to progress during the latent phase, the best thing to do is relax and wait while the cervix ripens. Take a walk, sleep, or take a warm bath. If drugs are slowing your contractions, you may need to simply wait until they are flushed from your body. Sometimes changing positions may help the process along; lay on your other side, stand, walk, or squat.

Also called a C-section, the Cesarean section may be the answer to several of the issues that cause prolonged labor. Nearly a third of C-sections are performed due to failure to progress.

C-sections are also very common for births of multiples. The best position for your baby in labor is an occipito-anterior position with the back of the head occiput facing your front.

If the back of the head faces your back occipito-posterior this can make it hard for the baby to turn and move down the birth canal and can prolong labor. The doctor may suggest that you change positions to encourage the baby to turn. If the baby fails to rotate, forceps or vacuum may be needed to aid the delivery. Any of these complications can make an already intense situation more stressful. Your doctor, though, will get you and your baby, through it.

A gynecoid pelvis is the name given to a pelvis that has a circular shape. The generous proportions of this more typical "female-shaped" pelvis provides room for the head to pass through during the birth. An android pelvis is the term used to describe a pelvis that has a more triangular shape. This reduces the room available for the baby's head to pass through and is more likely to cause problems during vaginal delivery.

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