How to Make Labor Go Faster

Labor is unpredictable and highly individual, but having a slow or stalled labor can increase the likelihood of needing a medical intervention like a C-section. Fortunately, you can try several methods for speeding up labor, especially if it isn't progressing.

Below we unpack what happens during the three stages of labor. You'll also find tips for how to help labor along in the first stage when your cervix is dilated to around 1 centimeter and labor is progressing slowly.

Understanding the Stages of Labor

Labor consists of three stages. These include dilation of the cervix, pushing and delivering your baby, and the delivery of the placenta.

During the first stage of labor, the cervix starts to thin and open wider. This stage, which can last 20 hours or more, ends when the baby has moved into the birth canal and the cervix has dilated to 10 centimeters and effaced/thinned completely.

Once the cervix is fully dilated, it's time to push in order to help the baby move through the birth canal. This second stage can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. For people having their first child, the second stage may last three hours. Anything longer than that, and the labor is considered prolonged.

Once your baby is born, you will enter the third stage of labor. During this stage, you'll deliver the placenta, or the organ that supplied nutrients and oxygen to your baby through the umbilical cord. Sometimes during this stage, which lasts less than 30 minutes, people are given medication to control bleeding.

How to Speed Up Labor

While every childbirth experience is unique and moves according to its own timetable, there are ways to speed things along, especially if your labor has stalled. Try these techniques for a faster labor and delivery.

• Get on your feet by standing, walking, or squatting
• Try massage or acupressure
• Change positions
• Give yourself a change of scenery
• Use medical interventions

Standing and Walking

One of the main benefits of standing during labor is gravity, which helps increase pressure on the cervix and supports your baby's descent into your pelvis. If you're able to get up and walk around, you get the added benefits of movement.

In fact, people who are upright and moving around during labor typically have shorter labors, report less pain, receive less intervention, and are more satisfied with their birth experience. Many people find that swaying, rocking, or even dancing also eases their pain.

Breast Stimulation

Breast stimulation releases oxytocin into your bloodstream, which can bring on contractions. A breast pump can be used to stimulate your nipples or it can be done manually with your own fingers or help from a partner.

Some people find getting in the shower and letting the water beat down on their chest is enough to encourage the flow of oxytocin. Use the technique that's most comfortable for you.

Pressure Techniques

Massage and acupressure can be very beneficial in helping to speed up a stalled labor. A general massage may help you relax, decrease your pain, or just be a nice change of pace.

Specific techniques in acupressure can hit points that allow your body to produce more oxytocin as well, thus increasing contractions. This can be done by an acupressure specialist or a birth doula with special training. Talk to your massage therapist or acupuncturist to see if they have any helpful suggestions.

Changing Positions

If your baby's position is slowing down the progression of your labor, changing your position can make it easier for them to get into the best position for delivery. In addition to moving around, try sitting on a birth ball or in a rocking chair.

A type of exercise therapy ball called a peanut ball can also be used to ease labor and speed things along. If you have an epidural and aren't able to move around easily or safely on your own, ask your support person or nurse to help you move from side to side or sit up.

Getting a New Perspective

While it won't exactly speed up your labor the way walking can, a change of scenery can provide a distraction from the discomfort of labor and make it seem like the clock is moving a bit faster. It can also ease some of the mental stress that comes along with this process.

If you're at the hospital, try taking a walk to the nursery or cafeteria. You might even be able to leave the building for a short time. Some hospitals have special areas on the property where you can get fresh air and take a stroll.

If you're at home, get outside—even if only to stand in your backyard. And if you're too tired for a walk around the block, consider changing rooms.

Medical Intervention

Most experts recommend avoiding medical interventions unless they're necessary for the health of you or your baby. However, there are times when medical intervention is the best choice, especially if you're having a complication or your labor has slowed down or stopped progressing.

Medical interventions for stalled labor can include:

• Augmentation (IV Pitocin), often used with amniotomy
• Breaking your water (amniotomy)
• Pain medication like an epidural

You and your health care provider can discuss which intervention is right for you. The decision will depend on your labor timeline, possible complications, and more.