Childbirth is the most painful and joyful moment for every expectant mother. Of course, natural childbirth is the best for both the mother and the child. However, we may have noticed a problem, that is, some pregnant women have a long delivery time, while others have a short time. So what should we do when the delivery time is too long?
I. How long is a normal labor?
A normal labor is generally divided into three stages. The time required for each expectant mother to give birth is generally 12-15 hours, with a maximum of 24 hours, for first-time mothers. For second-time mothers, the time is no more than 18 hours, and some expectant mothers only need about 4 hours.
The first stage of labor starts from regular contractions of the uterus until the cervix is fully dilated. First-time mothers usually need about 12 hours during the first stage, while mothers who have given birth before need about 6 hours.
The second stage of labor generally takes only 1-2 hours, which is the stage where expectant mothers make the final push. First-time mothers need about 2 hours during this stage, while mothers who have given birth before need about 1 hour.
The third stage of labor is the period from the delivery of the baby to the delivery of the placenta. At this time, the expectant mother is no longer in labor pain and can hear the newborn's first cry. The third stage of labor generally only takes about ten minutes.
II. What is considered a slow labor?
Labor lasting more than 24 hours is considered slow labor. In addition, if regular contractions occur and the cervix has dilated 3cm, but the dilation stops for more than 2 hours, it is also considered slow labor.
III. What are the causes of slow labor?
There can be various reasons for this. Each person's labor is different, some may have a faster labor, while others may have a slower labor, and this is natural. Weak uterine contractions, abnormal fetal position, the mother's pelvic shape not being particularly suitable or the internal volume not being large enough, congenital pelvic abnormalities in the mother, or previous trauma to the pelvis can all cause slow labor. Among them, the most common reason is weak uterine contractions. Additionally, excessive tension or fear on the part of the expectant mother can also affect the release of labor hormones and cause slow labor. Therefore, it is also recommended that you learn more about pregnancy and childbirth before labor, to eliminate unnecessary psychological pressure and negative emotions.
IV. What should be done in case of slow labor?
1. What the obstetrician does
If labor is indeed slow, the doctor will generally choose to artificially rupture the membranes or administer oxytocin depending on the circumstances. Artificial rupture of the membranes is chosen if the expectant mother's contractions are weak, the amniotic fluid is cloudy, or if the descent of the fetal head is not good. Oxytocin is also used to help with contractions and shorten labor. The dosage of oxytocin is strictly controlled because excessive stimulation of the uterus can make contractions stronger and more frequent, leading to fetal hypoxia.
2. What the expectant mother can do
(1) Maintain an upright position
When you are in an upright position, you can exert downward force more effectively. The combination of uterine muscle contractions, your own downward force, and gravity creates a powerful force.
(2) Sit on an exercise ball
Sitting on an exercise ball with legs apart and rocking the body back and forth can reduce the pressure on the perineum and help open the cervix.
(3) Squat while holding the hands of a family member
Facing a family member, squat while holding their hands, with legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and support the body with both arms.
(4) Try not to lie on the bed
If you are not particularly tired, try not to lie on the bed when you start to feel regular contractions and pain. You can maintain an upright position. Lean against the bed in the delivery room (adjust the backrest to a comfortable position), on a table, the back of a chair, or the edge of a window sill.
(5) Avoid leaning against the backrest
If you are very tired, you don't have to force yourself to do these things. You can also take a slow walk. When contractions come, lean forward, hold onto the wall, and sway your hips. This can help your uterus push the baby forcefully towards the cervix. If you feel really tired, the bed may be a better place for you to rest, and you can lie on your left side. It is best not to lean against the backrest, as it does not facilitate effective pelvic opening.
