Why cervix not dilating

More: Labor Complications. Sometimes CPD may be suspected before labor, in late pregnancy. This may be the case if the doctor thinks that you have a narrow pelvis or a prominent sacral bone, both of which may make birth slower or more difficult. However, an assessment of the pelvis alone is not an accurate way to predict if you'll be able to have a successful vaginal birth and, even if the pelvis is not an optimal shape, the doctor may be happy for you to continue trying for a vaginal birth.

This is because it's not the shape of your pelvis alone that is important, but the interaction between your baby the passenger and your pelvis. If CPD is suspected, but the baby's head has engaged, a vaginal birth can still be attempted. The labor will be monitored with a labor graph and if there are signs that the baby is in distress, an emergency cesarean may be performed.

If the head hasn't engaged toward the end of labor, a planned cesarean may be offered. If your doctor suspects CPD in labor, she will reassess the baby's size to check if she originally underestimated his or her weight. Even though the combination of a large estimated weight and a slow labor can suggest that there may be delivery problems, often labor proceeds normally.

If your labor isn't progressing because your cervix is dilating slowly or has stopped dilating, your doctor will assess the frequency of your contractions, which should be every 2 to 3 minutes. She'll also assess how strong the contractions are by palpating your abdomen: the firmer it feels during contractions, the more likely they are to be effective. If contractions are more widely spaced than they should be and their strength indicates they're unlikely to be effective, she may use one or two techniques to speed up labor, known as augmenting labor.

First, she may artificially rupture the membranes if they haven't already ruptured, a process known as ARM. As with any type of surgery, there are some risks, but a caesarean is usually the safest option if you or your baby are at risk.

Every pregnancy is different. They can feel stressed and experience anxiety about future motherhood. Those you might want to consider contacting include:. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Find out why here. Learn more about labour complications. An assisted delivery, sometimes called an 'instrumental delivery', is when your doctor will help in the birthing process.

Read about the different types of intervention. A retained placenta is when part or all of the placenta is not delivered after the baby is born. It can lead to serious infection or blood loss. A baby weighing more than 4. Here's what to expect if you're expecting a larger-than-average newborn. While some babies do experience birth injury, giving birth in Australia is very safe. Most birth injuries to babies are temporary, and in many cases treatment is available.

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If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. For more information, please visit the links below:. Here are some common methods:. By Nicole Harris July 29, Save Pin FB More.

Medication with prostaglandins either oral or vaginal to encourage cervical softening and dilation. A mechanical cervical ripening, in which a balloon-like device gradually pushes the cervix open. This is meant to release cervix-softening prostaglandins and start contractions. By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment!

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