O60-O75: Complications of labour and delivery
O63: Long labour
Long labour, known medically as prolonged labour, refers to a group of conditions that occur when a woman's labour lasts longer than what is typically expected. Prolonged labour might occur at various stages of the birthing process, such as during the early phase of childbirth when the cervix is dilating or during the active phase, when the baby descends through the birth canal. The duration considered 'normal' can vary, but labour that lasts more than 20 hours for first-time mothers and more than 14 hours for women who have previously given birth might be classified as long labour. Reasons for prolonged labour include a slow dilation of the cervix, weak uterine contractions, or issues with the baby's position. Symptoms may include slow progress in labour, maternal exhaustion, and distress for the mother or baby. This condition often affects the mother's physical health and can sometimes impact the baby's health.
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