I’m sure that parents-to-be and moms-to-be who have done their homework know that a natural labor that is too fast or too slow can be dangerous for the fetus and the mother. So, what should we do when the mom-to-be’s labor is too slow in natural childbirth? First, how long is the normal labor process? The normal labor process is generally divided into three periods. The time it takes for each pregnant mom to deliver is usually 12-15 hours, and not more than 24 hours, which is for the mom-to-be of the first delivery. For second-time moms-to-be, it takes no more than 18 hours, and some moms-to-be even take just about 4 hours. The first stage of labor begins with regular contractions of the uterus and ends when the cervix opens fully. The leading period of labor takes about 12 hours for new mothers; 6 hours if you’ve been in labor before (PMS). The second stage of labor usually takes only 1-2 hours, and this is the time when the mom-to-be sprints and carefully cooperates with the doctor to push; it takes about 2 hours for primigravid women and 1 hour for transient women. The third stage of labor is the period from the delivery of the fetus to the delivery of the placenta. By this time, the mom-to-be is no longer in labor pains and can hear the newborn’s first cries. The third stage of labor usually takes only ten minutes. What does it mean when labor is too slow? Labor that lasts more than 24 hours is considered too slow. In addition, regular contractions, the mouth of the uterus dilated 3cm, the mouth of the uterus stops dilating more than 2 hours, the labor is in a state of stagnation is also a slow labor. What are the causes of slow labor? There can be a variety of reasons. Everyone’s labor is different. It is natural for some people to have a faster labor and others a slower one. The more common cause of a slow labor is weak uterine contractions, the baby’s fetal position is not correct, the mother’s pelvis is not particularly well shaped or does not have enough internal volume, the mother may be born with pelvic anomalies or the pelvis may have suffered a traumatic injury. In addition, too much nervousness and fear can also affect the functioning of labor hormones and cause slow labor. Therefore, it is also recommended that you learn more about pregnancy and labor before giving birth to eliminate unnecessary psychological pressure and bad emotions. What should I do if my labor is too slow? 1, obstetricians do If you really encounter a slow labor and delivery, the doctor will usually choose to break the water manually or play oxytocin according to the actual situation. If the mom-to-be’s contractions are not strong, the amniotic fluid is cloudy, or the head of the fetus is not descending well, she will choose to artificially break the water. Oxytocin is also used to help contractions in order to shorten the labor process. The dosage of oxytocin will be strictly controlled, because oxytocin may over stimulate your uterus and make the contractions stronger and more frequent, causing the baby to lack oxygen in the uterus. 2. Under the guidance of your obstetrician, women in labor can do this (1) Maintain an upright position Because when you are in an upright position, you can push downward more effectively. The combination of the contraction of the uterine muscles, your own downward force and gravity creates a powerful force. (2) Sit on an exercise ball Sitting on an exercise ball with your legs apart and swaying your body back and forth will reduce the pressure on your perineum and help to open your uterus. (3) Squatting by pulling down your family members Face your family members and squat by pulling down your family members, with your legs slightly wider than your shoulders apart and your hands pulling down your companion’s hands, lowering your body’s center of gravity and supporting your body through your arms. (4) Try not to lie down on the bed If you are not particularly tired, try not to lie down on the bed when you start to feel pain with regular contractions. You can remain in an upright position. Lean back on the bed in the birthing room (the back can be adjusted to a position that is comfortable for you), on a tabletop, on the back of a chair, or by a window frame. (5) Don’t lean on your back for support You don’t have to force yourself to do this if you are very tired, you can also take a slow walk. When contractions come, lean forward, put your hands on the wall and sway your hips, which will help your uterus push your baby forcefully against your cervix. If you do feel too tired, the bed may be a better place for you to rest, and you can take the left side position to lie down. It is better not to lean on your back for support, as that is not conducive to the pelvis opening effectively.