Doctors typically determine CPD when labor begins and the use of oxytocin is not effective. The safest way for delivery to take place when CPD is a factor is through Caesarean sections. Prevention
If the woman is being closely monitored and begins to show signs of prolonged labor, medical professionals can take preventive measures to better the chances of delivery within 24 hours. A precise initial diagnosis of prolonged labor based on signs and symptoms is extremely important in applying proper precautionary treatment. Oxytocin infusions upon an initial amniotomy is typically used to move normal labor back on track. The application of oxytocin is only effective if administered on the basis of fetal distress. This treatment method only pertains to specific states of the fetus. If the baby is experiencing malpresentation, for example, the only safe and reliable method to proceed with childbirth is medical interference. Management
In terms of medical care, preventive treatment or assisted delivery are typically the first options doctors consider. There is usually no quick fix to prolonged labor, especially if preventive measures do not revert the mother back to normal labor. Often, medical professionals resort to intervention methods. If the state of the fetus and mother are not especially serious or threatening to their health, doctors will perform assisted vaginal deliveries. Assisted vaginal delivery
There are two different methods of assisted vaginal delivery that medical professionals typically utilize to aid in delivery in order to avoid surgical methods of fetal extraction.
Both fetal malpresentation and cervical dystocia may result in obstructed labor. The cause of prolonged labor will determine the medical intervention that needs to take place. Medical professionals can either engage in preventive measures or turn to surgical methods of removing the fetus. If not handled properly or immediately treated, both the woman and the fetus can suffer a variety of long term complications, the most serious of which is death. There is no "quick fix" to prolonged labor, but there are preventive measures that can be taken, such as oxytocin infusions. 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 Caesarean section. Signs and symptoms
Symptoms include:
Labor extends beyond 18 hours
Dehydration and exhaustion of the mother
Pain around the back, sides, and thighs of the mother as a result of extreme muscle pressure
Severe pain when labor begins
Increased heart rate of the mother
Swollen large intestine on either side of the uterus as a result of gas build up
Uterus sensitivity
Ketosis
Distress of the fetus
Uterine ruptures

Complications
Distress to the fetus as a result of decreasing oxygen levels
Internal bleeding of the fetuss head (intracranial hemorrhage)
Higher chance of operative delivery
Risks of long-term injuries to the infant such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or cerebral palsy
Infection of the uterus
Damage to the birth canal
Postpartum infection
Postpartum hemorrhage

Prolonged latent labor
The term describes labor that occurs very slowly.