Reasons for a prolonged 2nd stage and strategies
Things to consider
Medical interventions
Slow 2nd stage - when is slow 'too slow'?
When the labour is progressing normally, second stage can take as long as an hour or two for first babies, and anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes for women having their second or subsequent baby. Some women will take longer than this and others will birth their babies in a considerably shorter time. Such is the individual nature of our bodies.
If the 2nd stage was slow for a first baby, this does not mean it will be next time around. But a previously quick 2nd stage will usually mean the same for a subsequent baby, unless they are in an unusual position.
Time limits on the second stage can depend on where you are giving birth and your caregiver's preferences and perceptions of why the baby may be taking a while to come. Varying degrees of time limits can be placed on a woman to push her baby out before suggesting interventions (either
forceps or a
ventouse and possibly an
episiotomy). Some caregivers will only give first time mothers an hour from the time they are fully dilated, whether they feel ready to push or not. This is often an unrealistic expectation, even more so if you have an epidural in place, as this will usually slow the 2nd stage. (Caregivers are less likely to intervene with women having their second or subsequent baby unless there are obvious complications).
A few women will place unrealistic time frames upon themselves, believing that this stage should only take a short time (and it may if this is your second or subsequent baby), but this is not likely if it is your first baby. When it does take longer than expected the woman can be unprepared for the time and effort it actually takes to push her baby out, occasionally asking for intervention because it seems like a better option.
