Prolonged Labor

This pilot, randomized control trial will test whether or not a specific circuit of position changes improves maternal outcomes in cases of prolonged labor. Patient who have prolonged labor will be approached for consent and randomization to one of two study groups: circuit intervention against routine standard of care position changes. 82 patients will be enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria will include: any uterine infection prior to randomization, magnesium sulfate treatment, major fetal anomalies, BMI ≥50, non-reassuring fetal status prior to randomization, or any maternal diagnosis that precludes safety or feasibility of the circuit of maternal position changes. The 3 aims of the study will include: the outcome that the circuit of position changes has on the duration of the first stage of labor, maternal and neonatal morbidity, and maternal satisfaction.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if oral bicarbonate can treat prolonged labour in nulliparous women with prolonged labour. The main question it aims to answer is: Do oral bicarbonate and restrictive oxytocin use reduce assisted delivery rate (emergency cesarean and vacuum/forceps delivery) in nulliparous women with prolonged labour. Researchers will compare bicarbonate and placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if bicarbonate works to treat prolonged labour. Participants will: * drink bicarbonate or placebo * have cervical dilatation reassessed after 2 hours. If still slow progression, they will follow standard protocol for oxytocin augmentation * will receive a questionnaire 1 month post partum to assess birth experience 1/3 of participants will have amniotic fluid lactate measured at inclusion and after 2 hours

Prolonged labor is usually managed with continuous oxytocin infusion. "Oxytocin rest" has been proposed as a strategy to resolve protracted labor in patients who have received continuous oxytocin without progress. This strategy involves discontinuing oxytocin then restarting infusion after a period of time, under the theory that washout of the oxytocin receptor will strengthen uterine contractions to improve labor progress. "Oxytocin rest" is performed on labor and delivery units across the United States. Yet, there is no randomized or prospective data to support the practice. The purpose of this study is to assess whether oxytocin rest of 60 minutes in patients with prolonged labor reduces risk for cesarean delivery.