For those of you who are about to become a mother , giving birth is a special experience in your life. You may be a first-time mother, or you may already have children. However, every birth is different. Sometimes the baby comes into the world very quickly. But sometimes it takes a little longer. How quickly your baby arrives depends on many factors.
Simply put, labor is the process of the muscles in your uterus contracting tightly, pushing the baby down the vagina. These muscle contractions are what we call 'pain', 'cramps' or 'contractions'. You will feel this pain in your back and lower abdomen. These 'contractions' cause the cervix to gradually open. It's like a door opening for the baby to come out. When this door opens completely, the baby can come out.
Typically, a first-time mother will be in labor for between 12 and 18 hours. However, if you have had a previous baby, this period may be shorter, perhaps even half that.
What is prolonged labor?
Sometimes, the process of labor doesn't go as fast as you think. It can feel like it's stalling or going very slowly. Doctors call this " Failure to Progress ."
Prolonged labor is determined by the stage of labor and whether the cervix has fully dilated. If you have had regular contractions for about 20 hours and your baby hasn't been born, your doctor may consider it a ' prolonged labor '. Sometimes this is said to be between 18 and 24 hours.
If you are having twins, labor is considered prolonged labor if it lasts more than 16 hours.
Why is childbirth so late?
Many mothers dream of a quick, easy birth. But if your labor seems to be going well, don't worry. Your doctor , nurses, and midwife are all taking very close, careful care of you and your baby. There can be several reasons why labor is delayed.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| The baby's size is increasing. | If the baby's body is a little big, it may be difficult for him to come out through the mother's birth canal. |
| Baby position | The baby usually comes out with its head down and its face towards the mother's back. If this position changes (for example, if the breech is down), labor may be delayed. |
| Narrowing of the birth canal | Sometimes the mother's pelvis may not have enough room for the baby to come out. |
| Weakening of contractions | When the uterus does not contract strongly enough to open the cervix and push the baby down, the rate of labor slows down. |
What happens at the hospital when labor is delayed?
You are not alone at this time. The medical team will continue to monitor you and your baby's condition. They will mainly be paying attention to these things:
- How often you have contractions: This will check how often you have contractions.
- The intensity of labor pain: This is to see if the pain is strong enough to induce labor.
To find out this information accurately, sometimes special tests can be performed.
1. IUPC (Intrauterine Pressure Catheter): This involves inserting a very thin tube-like device into the uterus, close to where the baby is. This allows the doctor to measure not only when your contractions are coming, but also how strong they are. If the pain is not enough, the doctor will decide to give you medication to increase it after tests like this.
2. EFM (Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring): This is used to continuously monitor the baby's heartbeat . You may have seen two straps placed on the mother's belly, and a machine monitors the baby's heartbeat. This can ensure that the baby is doing well without any discomfort or fatigue.
All of this is done to protect you and your baby. So don't be afraid of what happens in the hospital. Everything is done to ensure the best safety.
What is the treatment for delayed labor?
If your labor is going well, your doctor may first tell you to rest for a while. Sometimes, they may give you medication to help ease the pain. They may also advise you to move into a comfortable position.
Additionally, the treatment depends on the cause of the delayed labor.
- If the baby has reached the birth canal: If the baby has reached the lower part of the birth canal but is taking a long time to come out, the doctor may use forceps or a vacuum device to help carefully remove the baby.
- If your contractions are not strong enough: If your contractions are not strong enough, you can be given a medicine called Pitocin (oxytocin) through the saline to speed them up and make them stronger.
- Cesarean section (C-section): If the baby is very large, or if labor does not progress after medication like Pitocin, you may need to have a cesarean section (C-section).
A cesarean section is not a failure. There are times when it is the best and safest option to save your life and that of your baby.
Are there risks to prolonged labor?
Yes, there are some risks that can arise if labor is prolonged too much. It also increases the chances of having to undergo a `C-section`. The risks to the baby include:
- Decreased oxygen levels in the baby.
- Abnormalities in the baby's heart rate.
- Accumulation of harmful substances in the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
- Uterine infection.
But remember, these risks are why the medical team is monitoring you and your baby so closely. If your baby shows any signs of fetal distress, an emergency delivery is performed immediately to prevent these risks. So you're in safe hands.
Take-Home Message
- Prolonged labor is not uncommon. It is possible, and it can be managed.
- Your doctor and the hospital staff will be monitoring you and your baby very closely, so don't worry.
- There are many safe ways to speed up labor, from rest to medication.
- In some cases, a cesarean section (C-section) is the safest option for you and your baby.
- It is your right to openly discuss any concerns or fears you have with your doctor.
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