If not handled properly or immediately treated, both the mother and the fetus can suffer a variety of long term complications, the most serious of which is death.[4] There is no "quick fix" to prolonged labor, but there are preventive measures that can be taken, such as oxytocin infusions.[4] In order to properly and safely deliver the baby, doctors will often intervene in child birth and conduct assisted vaginal delivery through the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, or perform a cesarian section.[5]