Why Some Women Experience Long Labours While Others Don't
Pregatips | January 21, 2026 7:40 PM CST
Your body goes through one of the most intense things it can do: labour. For some individuals, it goes quickly: contractions get stronger, the cervix opens, and the baby is born in a few hours. For some people, it takes a lot longer, and the wait can seem like it will never end.
You could be thinking, "Why is my work taking so long when others seem to finish faster?" The truth is that every labour is different. There are many factors that can affect how long it lasts, such as your baby's location and how calm you are during the process. Knowing these things can help you be more patient and sure of yourself when your time comes.
Understanding What Labour Really IsLabour is your body’s way of getting ready to bring your baby into the world. It involves three main stages:
The first stage: When your cervix softens, shortens, and opens up (dilates) from 0 to 10 centimetres.
The second stage: When you push your baby out through the birth canal.
The third stage: When you deliver the placenta. The first stage is usually the longest and can vary greatly from one person to another. That’s where most differences in labour duration occur.
How Long Is ‘Normal’ Labour?Active labour, when contractions become stronger and more regular, can last 8 to 18 hours for first-time mothers.
It usually takes less time for individuals who have given birth before, about 5 to 12 hours.
So, just because your labour seems to be taking a long time doesn't mean something is wrong. It might just be how your body naturally changes.
The Role of the Baby’s PositionThe way your baby is lying in your womb has a huge effect on how easily labour occurs.
When your baby is head-down and facing your back (called occiput anterior), it's the easiest position for birth. The baby’s head fits perfectly through your pelvis in this position.
But if your baby is facing your belly (occiput posterior) or lying sideways (transverse), it may take longer for the head to descend down. You might have increased back pain, and contractions might not work as well to open your cervix.
Don't panic; physicians and midwives know how to help you relocate your baby or show you how to do activities that will help your baby get into a better position.
How Your Body’s Readiness Affects LabourYour cervix needs to be soft, stretchy, and ready to open. In some individuals, it takes time for the cervix to “ripen.” Things that influence this include:
Other Factors That Affect Labour Duration 1. Emotional and Mental State
You might be surprised to learn that your feelings can really affect your labour. When you're terrified, apprehensive, or tense, your body releases adrenaline, which might get in the way of oxytocin, the hormone that helps contractions move forward.
Oxytocin flows more easily when you feel comfortable, supported, and peaceful, which makes contractions work better.
That's why a calm, comfortable place to be, together with comfort and confidence, may make a tremendous difference in how well your labour goes.
2. Physical Health and Fitness
Your health before and during pregnancy also has an effect. Your body may be better able to withstand contractions and endurance if you have been active. But that doesn't mean a longer labour is bad for you. Sometimes your body just does things at its own pace.
Sometimes, medical problems like gestational diabetes, thyroid problems, or being overweight can make contractions less effective, which can make labour last longer. Your healthcare team will monitor you and provide guidance as needed.
3. Size of the Baby
If your baby is on the bigger side, it may take them longer to travel through your pelvis, especially if your pelvis is narrow.
This doesn't mean you can't give birth naturally; it just means that it might take longer and require more patience. Your doctor will keep an eye on how well your baby is coming down and see if you need any extra help or support.
4. Induced Labour vs. Natural Labour
Induced labour (initiated with medication or other treatments) may take longer than natural labour. Your body may take some time to get used to the medicine and get into a rhythm of contractions.
Things usually pick up quickly once your cervix starts to respond. Your body only needs time to become used to the process.
When Doctors Step InIf your labour is taking much longer than expected, your healthcare team may use gentle interventions to help things along. These might include:
Staying Calm Through a Long LabourLong labour doesn’t mean difficult labour. It simply means your body is taking its time, and that’s okay. Here are a few things that help:
No two births are ever the same. Some individuals give birth in a matter of hours, while others take longer. Your baby's position, hormones, emotions, and even the fact that this is your first time all have an effect.
It's not a sign of weakness if your labour lasts a long time; it's just how your body works. With the correct help, time, and faith in your care team, your labour, no matter how long it lasts, will end with the same amazing result: your baby in your arms.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs On Why Some Women Experience Long Labours While Others Don’t
How long is too long for labour?
If active labour lasts more than 18–20 hours (for first-time mothers), doctors may call it “prolonged labour.” It doesn’t always mean danger, but your healthcare team will monitor closely and assist if needed.
Can I do anything to make labour shorter?
Staying relaxed, upright, and active can help labour progress naturally. Deep breathing and regular movement also support contractions.
Does long labour affect the baby?
In most cases, no. Your doctor keeps a close watch on the baby’s heartbeat and ensures both of you stay safe throughout the process.
You could be thinking, "Why is my work taking so long when others seem to finish faster?" The truth is that every labour is different. There are many factors that can affect how long it lasts, such as your baby's location and how calm you are during the process. Knowing these things can help you be more patient and sure of yourself when your time comes.
Understanding What Labour Really IsLabour is your body’s way of getting ready to bring your baby into the world. It involves three main stages:
How Long Is ‘Normal’ Labour?Active labour, when contractions become stronger and more regular, can last 8 to 18 hours for first-time mothers.
It usually takes less time for individuals who have given birth before, about 5 to 12 hours.
So, just because your labour seems to be taking a long time doesn't mean something is wrong. It might just be how your body naturally changes.
The Role of the Baby’s PositionThe way your baby is lying in your womb has a huge effect on how easily labour occurs.
When your baby is head-down and facing your back (called occiput anterior), it's the easiest position for birth. The baby’s head fits perfectly through your pelvis in this position.
But if your baby is facing your belly (occiput posterior) or lying sideways (transverse), it may take longer for the head to descend down. You might have increased back pain, and contractions might not work as well to open your cervix.
Don't panic; physicians and midwives know how to help you relocate your baby or show you how to do activities that will help your baby get into a better position.
How Your Body’s Readiness Affects LabourYour cervix needs to be soft, stretchy, and ready to open. In some individuals, it takes time for the cervix to “ripen.” Things that influence this include:
- Hormone levels, especially oxytocin (which triggers contractions)
- The strength and pattern of contractions
- The size and shape of your pelvis
Other Factors That Affect Labour Duration 1. Emotional and Mental State
You might be surprised to learn that your feelings can really affect your labour. When you're terrified, apprehensive, or tense, your body releases adrenaline, which might get in the way of oxytocin, the hormone that helps contractions move forward.
Oxytocin flows more easily when you feel comfortable, supported, and peaceful, which makes contractions work better.
That's why a calm, comfortable place to be, together with comfort and confidence, may make a tremendous difference in how well your labour goes.
2. Physical Health and Fitness
Your health before and during pregnancy also has an effect. Your body may be better able to withstand contractions and endurance if you have been active. But that doesn't mean a longer labour is bad for you. Sometimes your body just does things at its own pace.
Sometimes, medical problems like gestational diabetes, thyroid problems, or being overweight can make contractions less effective, which can make labour last longer. Your healthcare team will monitor you and provide guidance as needed.
3. Size of the Baby
If your baby is on the bigger side, it may take them longer to travel through your pelvis, especially if your pelvis is narrow.
This doesn't mean you can't give birth naturally; it just means that it might take longer and require more patience. Your doctor will keep an eye on how well your baby is coming down and see if you need any extra help or support.
4. Induced Labour vs. Natural Labour
Induced labour (initiated with medication or other treatments) may take longer than natural labour. Your body may take some time to get used to the medicine and get into a rhythm of contractions.
Things usually pick up quickly once your cervix starts to respond. Your body only needs time to become used to the process.
When Doctors Step InIf your labour is taking much longer than expected, your healthcare team may use gentle interventions to help things along. These might include:
- Breaking your water to speed up contractions
- Giving oxytocin through an IV to strengthen contractions
- Changing your position to help the baby move down
Staying Calm Through a Long LabourLong labour doesn’t mean difficult labour. It simply means your body is taking its time, and that’s okay. Here are a few things that help:
- Breathe deeply through contractions to stay relaxed
- Changing positions often, walking, squatting, or leaning forward can help the baby move down
- Stay hydrated and take small sips of water or juice
- Listen to your body, rest when you can between contractions
- Stay positive, every contraction brings you one step closer to meeting your baby
No two births are ever the same. Some individuals give birth in a matter of hours, while others take longer. Your baby's position, hormones, emotions, and even the fact that this is your first time all have an effect.
It's not a sign of weakness if your labour lasts a long time; it's just how your body works. With the correct help, time, and faith in your care team, your labour, no matter how long it lasts, will end with the same amazing result: your baby in your arms.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs On Why Some Women Experience Long Labours While Others Don’t
If active labour lasts more than 18–20 hours (for first-time mothers), doctors may call it “prolonged labour.” It doesn’t always mean danger, but your healthcare team will monitor closely and assist if needed.
Staying relaxed, upright, and active can help labour progress naturally. Deep breathing and regular movement also support contractions.
In most cases, no. Your doctor keeps a close watch on the baby’s heartbeat and ensures both of you stay safe throughout the process.
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