Learn the reasons why labor could stop—and what can be done when it does. While there are certain universal markers for the different stages of labor , not all women experience labor in the same way or at the same pace. When a woman is in active labor and her labor slows down or stops, it is referred to as "stalled labor. A stalled labor can feel distressing and discouraging, but the good news is that it usually does not pose any danger, and it can often be resolved.
In the hospital, many caregivers view stalled labor as something that needs to be "corrected" with interventions such as administering the drug Pitocin, artificially breaking the bag of water, or even cesarean.
Labor may be considered "stalled" because caregivers compare it to "normal" labor as dictated by "Friedman's Curve. In , Emanuel Friedman, an American obstetrician, developed a set of data that was used to predict the speed at which a woman would dilate in labor.
He found that a woman should dilate 1cm per hour once she is in active labor. Despite evidence that this practice is outdated, many care providers still use this incorrect information as a guideline. The best way to avoid getting shuttled into the labor-Pitocin-cesarean trap where stalled labor can often lead is to know your stuff: Learn about the common causes of labor, things you can do to get labor back on track, and the best questions to ask when your doctor or midwife suggests an intervention due to suspected stalled labor.
Induction: Induction carries risks, one of the most common being that the induction will not "work," ending in a cesarean rather than a vaginal birth.
When you are induced, your body is artificially forced into labor, likely before you and your baby are ready. This can lead to a stalled labor, more interventions to speed up your labor, and then a possible cesarean section.
If your doctor suggests an induction, find out why, and whether or not it's for a true medical reason. Ask about your Bishop's Score, which is an assessment of how ready your cervix is for induction. The higher your Bishop's Score, the more likely your induction will be successful you will go into labor. If your Bishop Score is low and you and your baby are healthy, tell your care provider you would like to go into labor on your own. If your doctor or midwife presses for an induction, ask about the risk of waiting to induce until your cervix is more favorable.
Epidural: Some studies have shown that an epidural can slow down the pushing phase of labor, and while data is inconclusive on its effect on active labor and transition, many women report that their contractions weakened and spaced out after receiving an epidural, often leading to the use of Pitocin to get it going again.
This could be attributed to the restriction on a woman's ability to move and change positions, or it could be due to the fact that an epidural relaxes the uterine and pelvic floor muscles. Emotional Stress: Underlying emotional or psychological stress can cause labor to stall or slow down. Also known as "emotional dystocia," this can be anything from an extreme fear of labor pain, not feeling safe, or lack of privacy, to trauma from prior sexual abuse.
If you have any underlying issues you think could impact labor, notify your birth team partner, doula, doctor, midwife, nurse. They will help you to deal with the emotions coming up during your labor, reassure you of your safety, and support you during the process.
Baby's Position: How your baby is positioned for labor can affect the length of your labor. Braxton Hicks contractions can happen for many weeks before real labor begins. You might notice them more at the end of the day.
Time your contractions and note whether they continue when you are resting and drinking water. If rest and hydration make the contractions go away, they are not true labor contractions. Below is a summary of some differences between true labor and false labor.
But sometimes the only way to tell the difference is by having a vaginal exam to find changes in your cervix that signal the start of labor. True labor contractions come at regular intervals. They have a pattern. As time goes on, they get closer together. Each lasts about 60 or 90 seconds. False contractions do not have a pattern and they do not get closer together.
These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. If you think you are in labor or are not sure , call your ob-gyn or other obstetric care provider. You should go to the hospital if you have any of these signs:. For a woman having her first baby, labor typically lasts 12 to 18 hours. For women who have given birth before, it typically lasts 8 to 10 hours. But every woman is different. It may even be different with each child you have. Even so, labor and delivery usually follow a pattern.
Pack for the hospital and leave your bag in a handy place, such as a hall closet or the trunk of your car. Plan for who will care for your other children, your pets, and your home when you are in the hospital. The fetus develops in this sac. Hormones: Substances made in the body that control the function of cells or organs.
Obstetric Care Provider: A health care professional who cares for a woman during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. These professionals include obstetrician— gynecologists ob-gyns , certified nurse—midwives CNMs , maternal—fetal medicine specialists MFMs , and family practice doctors with experience in maternal care. Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis.
During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.
You might be given medication before or after the placenta is delivered to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding. Your health care provider will examine the placenta to make sure it's intact. Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent bleeding and infection.
If you're interested, ask to see the placenta. After you deliver the placenta, your uterus will continue to contract to help it return to its normal size. Your health care provider will also determine whether you need stitches or repair of any tears of your vaginal region. If you don't have anesthesia, you'll receive an injection of local anesthetic in the area to be stitched. Savor this special time with your baby. Your preparation, pain and effort have paid off. Revel in the miracle of birth.
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See more conditions. Healthy Lifestyle Labor and delivery, postpartum care. Products and services. Stages of labor and birth: Baby, it's time! By Mayo Clinic Staff. Open pop-up dialog box Cervical effacement and dilation Close. Cervical effacement and dilation During the first stage of labor, the cervix opens dilates and thins out effaces to allow the baby to move into the birth canal.
Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Funai EF, et al. Management of normal labor and delivery. Accessed June 16, Simkin P, et al. Nonpharmacological approaches to management of labor pain.
Satin AJ. Latent phase of labor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Labor and delivery. Washington, D. Gabbe SG, et al.
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