[1] It is important that the vital signs of the woman and fetus are being monitored so preventive measures can be taken if prolonged labor begins.

Medical teams track this data using intrauterine pressure catheter placement (IUPC) and continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM).

If not handled properly or immediately treated, both the woman and the fetus can suffer a variety of long term complications, the most serious of which is death.

[4] In order to properly and safely deliver the baby, doctors will often intervene in child birth and conduct assisted vaginal delivery through the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, or perform a Caesarean section.

[2] This does not necessarily mean that the woman or fetus's health is being compromised, but it is painful and is an important indication for doctors to pay attention to warning signs of prolonged labor.

[9] Some important ways to manage fetal malpresentation are making rapid evaluations of the condition of the women pertaining to vital signs as well as the heart rate of the fetus.

[9] This refers to uterine conditions that result in the uterus not having enough coordination or strength to dilate the cervix and push the baby through the birth canal.

Cervical dystocia, or stenosis, occurs when the cervix fails to dilate after a practical amount of time during positive uterine pains.

Common conditions that lead to stenosis are tumors, a full bladder, large size of the infant, multiple pregnancies, delay in rupture of membranes, or problems with the cervix.

[11] Cephalopelvic disproportion is the issue that arises when the fetus' body or head is too large to pass through the woman’s pelvis.

[12] If the woman is being closely monitored and begins to show signs of prolonged labor, medical professionals can take preventive measures to better the chances of delivery within 24 hours.

[4] A precise initial diagnosis of prolonged labor based on signs and symptoms is extremely important in applying proper precautionary treatment.

[5] The forceps doctors use resemble two large salad spoons and are inserted into the cervix, around the baby's head and help to guide it out of the birth canal.

Caesarean sections need to be performed immediately if there are signs of fetal distress, uterine rupture, or cord prolapse.

Due to all the risk factors that are present in the event of prolonged labor, it is extremely important that medical teams are well-suited and prepared to conduct a C-section if needed.