You’re in labor. Things are moving along, contractions are picking up, and then—nothing. Hours pass, and it feels like you’re stuck. You might be wondering, Is something wrong? Why isn’t my body progressing?
First, take a deep breath. Labor stalls are normal, and more often than not, they resolve on their own with time and the right techniques.
What is a Labor Stall?
A stall in labor happens when contractions slow down or stop altogether for an extended period. This can be frustrating, especially if you were making good progress. Stalls can happen at any stage of labor, but they’re most common in early labor or during the transition to active labor.
Why Do Stalls Happen?
There are several reasons why labor can slow down:
Baby’s Position – If your baby isn’t in an optimal position, your body might take a pause to encourage rotation.
Emotions & Stress – Feeling anxious, scared, or overwhelmed can cause your body to release adrenaline, which counteracts oxytocin (the hormone that drives contractions).
Exhaustion & Dehydration – If you’re running on empty, your body might slow things down so you can rest.
Medical Interventions – Epidurals, for example, can sometimes slow contractions, requiring repositioning or additional support.
What Can You Do to Move Through a Labor Stall?
While time is often the best remedy for a labor stall, there are some things you can do to help encourage progress:
1. Change Positions
Movement is your best friend during labor. Try:
Side-lying with a peanut ball to open the pelvis.
Hands and knees or forward-leaning positions to encourage baby’s descent.
Walking, swaying, or lunges to keep things moving.
2. Hydrate & Nourish Your Body
Dehydration and low energy can stall labor. Sip on electrolyte-rich drinks, snack on light foods (if allowed), and make sure you’re staying hydrated.
3. Relax & Reduce Stress
Oxytocin, the love hormone, fuels contractions—but stress and fear can slow it down. Try:
Breathing exercises (slow, deep breaths or patterned breathing).
Affirmations and visualization to remind yourself that your body knows what to do.
Massage or acupressure for relaxation and hormone stimulation.
4. Use the Power of Gravity
Sitting on a birth ball, doing deep squats, or using a rebozo to sift your belly can encourage baby to engage in the pelvis.
5. Rest When Needed
If labor has been long, sometimes the best thing to do is rest. Take a warm bath, dim the lights, and allow your body to take a break. Often, contractions will pick up once you’re recharged.
Trust Your Body and the Process
A labor stall doesn’t mean something is wrong—it often just means your body is working through the process in its own time. Trust in the natural rhythm of labor. If intervention is suggested, ask about your options and whether waiting a bit longer is safe.
Your body was made for this, and with patience, movement, and the right support, you’ll move through this stall and bring your baby into the world.
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