Final answer:
A prolonged latent phase in labor can occur if the cervix is not properly dilating. The cervix thins and dilates during the first stage of labor, which is necessary for the expulsion of the baby and placenta.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prolonged latent phase can occur if the cervix is not dilating properly. There are three stages to labor. During stage one, the cervix thins and dilates.
This is necessary for the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth. The cervix will eventually dilate to about 10 cm. During stage two, the baby is expelled from the uterus.
The uterus contracts, and usually, the person giving birth pushes by compressing the abdominal muscles to aid the delivery.
The last stage is the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born and the organ has completely disengaged from the uterine wall. If labor should stop before stage two is reached, synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, can be administered to restart and maintain labor.