This document defines labor and its stages, signs of prolonged labor, causes of prolonged labor in the first and second stages, effects of prolonged labor on mother and baby, prevention and management of prolonged labor. Labor is defined as a series of events leading to the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus through the vagina. Prolonged labor is diagnosed when the first stage lasts over 12 hours or cervical dilation is less than 1cm/hr for primiparous women or 1.5cm/hr for multiparous women. Causes include problems with uterine contractions, the pelvis, or the fetus. Prevention focuses on early detection and intervention if needed. Management evaluates for causes and effects then treats any issues while carefully