Abstract

The aim of this review is to describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors that have an effect on duration of the labor. Approximately all published articles from 1980-2013 in Medline and Embase were searched amongst them 118 articles were selected. The eligible studies were those that reported the labor length, labor duration and active labor. Studies including preterm, premature and labor induction were excluded and finally fifty-six articles were reviewed. Oxytocin, propranolol, Pethidine, Epidural analgesia, Nitrous Oxide and Intravenous Hydration are common pharmacological methods affecting the labor duration. Massage, Birth ball, Acupressure, Oral carbohydrate intake, Presence of companionship, Water birth delivery and Parturient position are considered as the main effective non-pharmacological methods on labor duration. Implementation of non-pharmacological methods, as effective factors on labor duration, is recommended.