What is a potential risk of a prolonged second stage of labor?

A prolonged second stage of labor can lead to an increased risk of infection primarily due to prolonged rupture of membranes and the extended time the fetus may be exposed to the vaginal canal. When labor is prolonged, particularly after the membranes have ruptured, there is a greater opportunity for bacteria to ascend through the cervix into the uterus, which can cause chorioamnionitis. This condition poses risks not only to the mother but also to the fetus, potentially leading to severe complications such as sepsis. Monitoring for signs of infection becomes increasingly important during a lengthy second stage to ensure maternal and fetal safety.

The other options, while relevant to labor and delivery, do not have the same direct association with a prolonged second stage. For example, epidural headaches are typically associated with the technique of epidural anesthesia rather than the duration of labor itself. Gestational hypertension is influenced by a variety of factors and is not directly correlated with the length of the second stage. Decreased fetal heart rate variability involves cardiovascular factors that may not necessarily be tied to how long the second stage lasts, instead being influenced by fetal well-being and placental function.