What is one risk associated with prolonged labor?

Prolonged labor is associated with several complications, one of which includes an increased risk of thick meconium. When labor is prolonged, the fetus may experience stress, which can trigger the release of meconium into the amniotic fluid. Thick meconium is concerning because it can lead to meconium aspiration syndrome, where a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs, potentially causing significant respiratory distress.

In contrast, prolonged labor does not decrease the likelihood of cervical laceration; in fact, it often increases it due to prolonged pressure and trauma. Maternal hypoglycemia is generally not a direct risk of prolonged labor; instead, prolonged labor is more commonly linked to increased maternal fatigue, which can affect glucose levels in other ways. Additionally, the need for NICU admission is typically heightened in complicated deliveries, such as those involving thick meconium, rather than reduced. Therefore, the concerns regarding foetal distress and its associated complications highlight the significance of thick meconium as a key risk during prolonged labor.