When a woman gives birth, labor usually follows a certain rhythm. But sometimes, labor takes much longer than expected. This is called long, extended, or slow labor. It can be exhausting and dangerous for both the mother and the baby if not properly managed by health care workers.
Long labor happens when the process of childbirth moves very slowly or stops altogether. In medical terms, if labor lasts more than 20 hours for a first-time mother or more than 14 hours for a woman who has given birth before, it is considered unusually long. Sometimes labor progresses normally at first but then slows down or stalls.
Several factors can cause slow labor, including:
The baby’s size: A very large baby might not fit easily through the birth canal.
The baby’s position: If the baby is breech (not facing the right way), it can make labor harder.
Weak contractions: If contractions are too weak or too far apart, they may not cause the cervix to dilate at a proper rate.
Pelvic shape or size: Some women have pelvic shapes that make natural delivery more difficult.
Exhaustion: If a mother is extremely tired or stressed, it can affect how labor progresses.
Doctors and nurses should closely monitor labor and take action if it is not moving along as it should. Long labor increases the risk of serious complications, such as:
Infection: Especially if the mother’s water has broken and labor is delayed.
Fetal distress: The baby may not get enough oxygen, leading to an abnormal heart rate.
Uterine rupture: In rare cases, the uterus can tear, which is life-threatening.
Postpartum hemorrhage: Heavy bleeding after delivery is more likely after a long labor.
If long labor isn’t properly handled, devastating injuries can happen. For the baby, these can include brain damage due to lack of oxygen, cerebral palsy that affects movement and muscle control, skull fractures, and nerve injuries, especially to the shoulders (called brachial plexus injuries). Babies can heal from some injuries, but other injuries will impact the rest of their lives.
OBGYNs and their nurses are trained to recognize and respond to signs of slow labor. When they fail to act appropriately, life-changing injuries can occur. If you would like to speak to an attorney about medical negligence during your long or slow labor, contact us at 312-346-5320. There’s never a fee unless the case is successful. We handle birth injuries everywhere in Illinois. We promise to treat your case like you are a family member or friend.
