Factors that cause prolonged labor

1. Weak contraction. The stronger the contraction, the faster will be the delivery process. The strength of the contraction is usually determined by the mother's age, muscle strength and flexibility.

2. Mother's age. The bigger the age of the mother, the worse will be the elasticity of the body's soft tissue. Cervix and vagina will not expand easily and this can cause the delivery process to be prolonged.

3. Weight of the baby. If the weight of the baby is between 2.8kg to 3.6kg, the delivery process will be more likely to be smooth. If the weight of the baby exceeds 3.6kg, dystocia is more likely to occur.

4. Fetal position. In normal position, the baby's head will be down, facing mother's back. If the baby is found in other position, the delivery process will probably be lengthened.

5. Spirit of the mother. If the mother is too worried or screams during the process, it will affect the uterine contraction and it is going to take a much longer time for the cervix to be fully open.

If the mother's pelvic size is big, the delivery process will be more likely to be smooth.