What is a concerning contraction duration during active labor?

During active labor, contractions are expected to occur at regular intervals and should ideally last between 45 to 90 seconds. The primary concern with contractions that exceed this duration is the potential risk of fetal distress and uterine hyperstimulation, which can compromise oxygen supply to the fetus and lead to complications during labor.

Contractions lasting 30 seconds are typically considered too short to be effective for labor progression. Those lasting 60 seconds fall within a generally acceptable duration for active labor. A contraction duration of 70 seconds is also still acceptable, though it is becoming longer. However, when contractions last 80 seconds, they can cause the uterus to become excessively tense and may not allow adequate time for the fetal heart rate to recover between contractions. This prolonged duration can stress the fetus and potentially lead to a decrease in fetal oxygenation, making it a cause for concern during active labor.