Can the active phase of Stage One be prolonged?
Yes and no! If the contractions stall during the active phase of stage one the baby will be delivered (the contractions stalling during the latent phase of stage one may mean that the contractions were false labor and you are sent home). If two hours have passed and you have not dilated any further and IV will be set up and an oxytocin administered. Normally (about 85% of mothers) contractions and continued dilation resumes in about 2 hours. If contractions and further dilation does not occur then a cesarean section will be performed.
