8 Vital Causes of Slow Labour

Monday, August 25, 2014, 16:34 [IST]

Gywneth Paltrow was in labour for 40 hours before she opted to have a c-section. Kate Winslet was in labour for a whole day before the doctors decided to have a surgical delivery. Such stories of slow labour can be haunting for an expectant mother who is due to deliver in some time. There are specific causes of slow labour. So put facts before fear when it comes to this issue.

Also, a slow labour will not always lead to a c-section. So, there is no need to lose heart. You can have slow labour for a variety of causes. If it is your first baby, then your labour will move much slower in any case. A normal labour lasts for 6 to 10 hours. If you are past 10 hours already and no signs of the baby yet, then you are having a slow labour.

10 WAYS TO SPEED UP LABOUR PAIN

Also, if you are already having contractions for 5-6 hours and neither your water has burst nor have you dilated enough, then it is a sign that your labour is slow. The strength of your contractions also determine if labour is going to be slow.

Here are the eight most vital reasons for which labour is often slow.

Weak Contractions

If your contractions are weak or infrequent, then labour tends to be slow and drag on forever. In such cases, some steps to speed up the contractions have to be taken.

Full Bladder

When you have full bladder, then your contractions don't come on very strongly. That is why; you must pass urine very frequently when you are in labour.

Wrong Position

If you keep lying flat on your back, then your labour will not move speedily. You must walk around, squat and try out the pre-labour exercises that are given to you.

Baby In High Position

Sometimes, the baby's head does not drop into your cervix and the labour begins before that. In such cases, the labour is slow and stretches for long periods of time.

Non-Dilation Of Cervix

Some women have narrow cervix that do not open up enough to let the baby drop into the uterine passage. In such cases, labour goes on for hours and you might need a c-section to deliver the baby.

No Water Burst

When the water bursts, your contractions will come faster and and stronger. But if you are in labour for 3-4 hours and your water still hasn't burst, then your labour is slow.

Baby Turns Backwards

Sometimes, the baby can turn and change its position at the last minute. If the baby's head is not down or the baby turns towards the back, then labour is difficult and slow.