Speeding up Labour

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Speeding up labour is also called augmentation of labour. Each person's labour is unique and it is difficult to predict how long your labour will last before the birth of your baby. For your first baby, "active" labour (when your internal genitalia/cervix is 3-4 centimetres dilated with contractions that are strong and close together) can be approximately 8 to 12 hours or sometimes quite a bit longer. If it isn't your first baby, your labour may be shorter. Again, this varies from person to person for all sorts of reasons and could be shorter or longer than expected. See the signs of labour page for more information on active labour and how to know when it's beginning.

Occasionally, your contractions may not be effective to make your labour progress, either you do not dilate or your baby may need help to come down the birth canal. In these cases you and your health care professional may discuss speeding up your labour, called "augmentation." There are several natural techniques can you try to speed up your labour including walking around, taking a warm bath, breathing/relaxation techniques, massage, etc. Your provider may also give you medication (such as oxytocin) or artificially "break your water" to stimulate contractions and help labour and active pushing.

When there are signs that you and/or your baby may be unwell or your labour is not progressing, you may need medical intervention (for example, forceps, vacuum, or cesarean birth) to assist your birth. Your healthcare provider will speak with you about the need for a particular intervention before it happens, that way you can make an informed decision.

For more information on speeding up your labour, including natural techniques you can try yourself, medications and medical interventions, please see the links below.