Modern women give birth 2.5 hours longer

A study conducted by American scientists involving 150 thousand women showed that every year childbirth becomes more difficult and longer. If half a century ago women spent several hours in the delivery room, now the duration of labor has increased by 2.5 hours.

What caused these changes? One reason is women's weight gain. Over the years, the weight of the fair sex has increased, which means that newborns have become larger. In addition, girls now have their first birth on average 4 years later than women 50 years ago.

However, it is not only the increase in women's weight that has caused the increase in the duration of labor. Doctors also note changes in childbirth technology. Now contractions last 2.5 hours longer in girls who are giving birth for the first time, and 2 hours longer in women with a second pregnancy. The reason for this is that about 80% of women in labor receive an epidural, a pain-relieving injection into the spine, to relieve pain. However, this procedure tends to increase labor time. If 50 years ago only 4% of women used this procedure, now it has become the norm.

However, these reasons do not fully explain the increase in the duration of labor. In addition, experts note that increasing the duration of labor can lead to a number of complications, including an increased risk of cesarean section. Therefore, it is important to continue research in this area and develop new methods of birth care to ensure safety and comfort for mother and baby.