‘Failure to Progress’? No. It’s a Failure to Wait.
Let’s be real:
“Failure to progress” is one of the most overused reasons for pushing unnecessary interventions in labor—and it needs to be called out.
The phrase makes it sound like you did something wrong. Like your body stalled out. Like you’re broken.
But 9 times out of 10? It’s not a failure to progress.
It’s a failure to wait.
❗ So what is “failure to progress” anyway?
Technically, it’s a diagnosis given when your cervix isn’t dilating “fast enough” according to hospital timelines—especially once you hit active labor. But here’s the thing: those timelines are totally outdated.
Birth isn’t linear. You’re not a textbook. And your body doesn’t care what time your OB’s golf game starts.
Some moms dilate from 3 to 10 cm in a few hours. Others take 20+. Both are normal.
But instead of giving your body time, most hospitals are clock-watching. If your cervix doesn’t dilate at least 1 cm per hour in active labor, someone might start throwing around Pitocin, breaking your water, or even mentioning a “necessary” c-section.
🚩 Red flag: If a provider says “you’re not progressing,” ask:
Compared to what?
Based on what timeline?
What’s the medical reason we can’t wait?
Because let’s be clear: being at 6 cm for 4 hours doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. It might just mean you need to rest. Or eat. Or stop being pressured and let your hormones do their thing.
💡 Here’s what you actually need to know:
Stalling is normal. Labor often slows or pauses—especially when you change locations (like heading to the hospital).
Progress isn’t just dilation. Your cervix might not be changing, but baby could be rotating or descending. That’s progress.
Your environment matters. Feeling watched, rushed, or judged can literally inhibit labor hormones.
Time is not the enemy. The system just treats it like one.
🙌 You’re allowed to ask for more time.
You’re allowed to say, “I’d like to wait and see how things go.”
You’re allowed to decline interventions that are only being offered because someone’s getting impatient.
If labor is safe, baby is safe, and you’re feeling okay—then there’s no emergency. Don’t let “failure to progress” rush you into decisions you’re not ready to make.
📌 P.S. Want to feel more confident heading into birth?
Grab my free guide:
7 Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes to Your OB
These are the questions every first-time mom should be asking—but most don’t know they can.
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