What are the causes of prolonged labor?
The first stage of labor is the time from regular contractions until your cervix is fully open. The second stage is the time from when your cervix is fully open until the baby is delivered.
During the first stage of labor, your cervix thins (effacement). Slow effacement can increase your time spent in labor. The cause of slow effacement is usually inefficient uterine contractions. Sometimes, certain medications used during labor (such as morphine, when given early in the labor process) can weaken contractions, slowing the birth process.
The second stage is considered to be prolonged if it lasts more than three to four hours in a first-time parent or two to three hours if you’ve had a baby before.
During the second stage, prolonged labor can happen if your:
- Baby is too large.
- Birth canal is too small.
- Pelvis is too small for your baby to move down.
- Uterine contractions aren’t strong enough.
Research has also linked prolonged labor with psychological factors during labor like anxiety, stress and fear.
Can smoking slow down labor?
Smoking doesn’t necessarily cause prolonged labor. But some studies have shown that people who smoke have a higher rate of prolonged labor than those who don’t.
In one study, those who smoked also had a higher rate of cesarean section. Healthcare providers recommend you quit smoking before pregnancy since smoking during pregnancy can cause problems for you and your baby.
Do epidurals prolong labor?
No. There’s no correlation between epidurals and prolonged labor. Some evidence shows that epidurals can even speed up the first stage of labor by helping you relax.
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What are the signs that I have prolonged labor?
The main sign of prolonged labor is spending a long time in each stage with little to no progression. If you’re in labor for more than 25 hours (for your first baby) or 20 hours (if you’ve had a baby before), your labor is prolonged.
