As a mother, bringing a baby into the world is a unique experience. Whether it's your first or your second child, it doesn't matter. Sometimes your baby arrives sooner than expected. Other times, it doesn't happen so quickly. The speed at which your baby arrives depends on many factors. The most important of these is the speed of labor.
Simply put, labor is the continuous, strong contractions of the muscles in your uterus. These contractions, or "pain" in our language, help push the baby out of the uterus and into the birth canal. You will often feel this pain in your lower back or lower abdomen. This pain causes the cervix, the opening to the vagina, to gradually open (dilate). This makes way for the baby to come out.
Typically, a first-time mother will experience labor pains for between 12 and 18 hours. However, if you have had a baby before, labor can go much faster. That's usually about half that time.
So, what is prolonged labor?
Sometimes labor can stop halfway through, or progress much more slowly than expected. Doctors also call this " Failure to Progress ."
Whether labor is prolonged or not depends on the stage of labor and whether the cervix has dilated sufficiently. Generally, if the baby has not been born after about 20 hours of continuous labor , it is considered prolonged labor. Some doctors say this period is between 18 and 24 hours. If you are having multiple babies, such as twins, labor is considered prolonged if it lasts more than 16 hours.
Remember, you don't need to worry too much about this time. Your doctor and medical team are always watching over you and your baby.
There are several reasons why labor can be prolonged. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Reasons for prolonged labor | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| The baby's size is increasing. | If the baby is larger than normal, it may be difficult to come out through the birth canal. |
| Baby's Position | Normally, the baby should be head down and facing your back. If the baby is in an abnormal position, labor may be delayed. |
| The mother's birth canal is small. | If the mother's birth canal is small compared to the baby's size, there may not be enough room for the baby to come out. |
| Weakening of labor contractions | Labor can stop when the labor pains are no longer strong enough to open the cervix and push the baby out. |
What happens when labor is delayed? Should I be afraid?
Every mother dreams of having a quick and easy birth. But if your labor feels like it's going slowly, don't worry. Your doctor, nurse, or midwife will be monitoring you and your baby very closely during this time.
The medical team pays particular attention to these things:
- The frequency of your pain .
- The strength of the pain.
The following tests may be performed to assess this condition.
What are these tests?
- Intrauterine Pressure Catheter Placement (IUPC): This involves inserting a small tube-like device into your uterus to measure the intensity of your labor. If the doctor feels that the pain is not severe enough, they may decide to give you a medication like Pitocin.
- Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): This involves continuously monitoring the baby's heartbeat using a special device. This can help determine if the baby is doing well.
What are the treatments for prolonged labor?
If your labor is going slowly, your doctor may tell you to rest for a while. Sometimes, they can give you medicine to help ease the pain. You may also find relief by moving into a more comfortable position.
Additionally, the treatment given depends on the cause of the delayed labor.
- Medication: If your doctor thinks your labor is not enough or not strong enough, he or she may give you a medication called Pitocin . This will speed up and strengthen your labor.
- Use of instruments: If the baby has reached the birth canal, the doctor may use special instruments, such as forceps or a vacuum device, to help remove the baby from the vagina.
- Cesarean section (C-section): If the baby is very large, or if labor does not progress despite medications like Pitocin, you may need to have a cesarean section (C-section).
What are the risks of prolonged labor?
Prolonged labor increases your risk of having a cesarean section (C-section) .
Also, prolonged labor can pose some risks to the baby. But remember, the medical team is well aware of these risks and is constantly monitoring both of you.
| Possible risk to the baby | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Low oxygen levels in the baby | As labor progresses, the amount of oxygen the baby receives may decrease. |
| Abnormalities in the baby's heartbeat | When a baby is stressed, their heart rate may change abnormally. |
| Amniotic fluid abnormalities | When the baby is stressed, the baby's stool (meconium) can get mixed with the amniotic fluid. |
| Infections of the uterus | Due to the prolonged nature of labor, there is a risk of infection in the mother's uterus. |
If the baby is in distress, an emergency delivery may be necessary. This is when close monitoring of both mother and baby is essential for their health. Your medical team is ready to provide immediate treatment if any problems arise.
Take-Home Message
- Prolonged labor means that the baby is born longer than usual. This is not your fault.
- Many factors can affect this, such as the baby's size, position, and the strength of labor pain.
- In this situation, your doctor and the medical team will monitor you and your baby very closely. So don't be afraid.
- Treatment options range from simple things like rest to medication or, if necessary, a cesarean section (C-section).
- The most important thing is the safety of both mother and baby. Your doctor will always put that first. Talk to him about any questions or concerns you have.
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