A slow, steady labour can be as normal as a fast labour. If the mother and baby/s are well, then augmenting the labour may not be necessary. Some women will become tired, frustrated (and despondent) when their labour takes a long time. This may prompt her to request augmentation. Others may persevere when faced with this challenge because they want to avoid interventions.
If you and your caregiver, decide to augment the labour medically, there are a few options. The most appropriate intervention will depend on what has already happened in the labour and your caregiver's preferences. The methods may be used separately, or sometimes in combination.
For more in depth information about the main medical forms of augmentation that may be offered to you, click on the headings below.
Pain relief to augment the labour
Breaking the waters (ARM) to augment the labour
Intravenous oxytocin (Syntocinon) to augment the labour
Prostaglandins to augment the labour