Final answer:
Prolonged labor or failure to progress refers to labor that lasts more than 18 to 24 hours without sufficient changes in cervical dilation or effacement. The cervix must dilate to 10 cm for birth, and prolonged labor may require medical intervention like Pitocin. The length of this stage can be influenced by previous childbirth experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used for labor that lasts more than 18 to 24 hours without consistent progress in cervical dilation or effacement is known as prolonged labor or failure to progress. For a vaginal birth to occur, the cervix must fully dilate to 10 cm, which typically happens during the first stage of labor and can take anywhere from 6-12 hours but may vary considerably.
True labor is characterized by a positive feedback loop that causes the cervix to dilate and efface, leading to more powerful uterine contractions. However, if this process is significantly delayed or halts, it may be indicative of prolonged labor. Factors such as whether the person has given birth before can influence the duration of this stage; subsequent labors often have a shorter first stage.