These procedures are only applied if a vaginal delivery has proven to still be safe to the woman and the baby, based on their vital signs. Assisted vaginal delivery is usually only used in the latent phase. Delivery during the active phase is usually associated with more complications for the woman. One approach to assisted vaginal delivery is the use of forceps. The forceps doctors use resemble two large salad spoons and are inserted into the cervix, around the babys head and help to guide it out of the birth canal. The other option is the use of vacuum extraction. Vacuums used have a cup on the end and are inserted into the cervix. The cup attaches to the fetuss head by suction and aids in guiding delivery. The choice between forceps and vacuum extraction is usually made by the doctor based on preference. It is important that these methods are used properly, or else they can cause severe birth injuries to the baby that may be permanent. Caesarean sections
Caesarean sections, also referred to as C-sections, are usually quick solutions to the issue of failure to progress. Often, C-sections are the best options to avoid harming the fetus or the woman, especially if labor proves to be life-threatening. One third of C-sections occur as a result of prolonged labor. C-sections are usually a necessary measure in prolonged labor to avoid serious birth complications. If the mother reaches the active phase of prolonged labor, a C-section is the safest solution.
This does not necessarily mean that the woman or fetuss health is being compromised, but it is painful and is an important indication for doctors to pay attention to warning signs of prolonged labor. Prolonged active labor
The phase of labor that extends into multiple hours (at least 14). The cervix usually dilates to over 4 cm before active labor occurs. When it first begins, it is encouraged that women stand up, walk around, and eat or drink. If failure to progress extends beyond this point, preventive measures need to be taken. Causes
Fetal malpresentations
Fetal malpresentations are irregular positions of the crown of the fetal head in relation to the mothers pelvis (the fetus is in an abnormal position). Some important ways to manage fetal malpresentation are making rapid evaluations of the condition of the women pertaining to vital signs as well as the heart rate of the fetus. If fetal heart rate is abnormal, and if membranes have ruptured and amniotic fluid is atypical, it is important for medical professionals to determine the presenting part of the fetus and the position of the fetal head. Possible delivery methods, if this is the case, are compound presentation, vaginal breech delivery, or caesarean section for breech presentation depending upon the severity of the malposition. Uterine contractions
This refers to uterine conditions that result in the uterus not having enough coordination or strength to dilate the cervix and push the baby through the birth canal. Issues with uterine contractions are the main cause of prolonged labor during the latent phase.