8 Questions
What is the primary cause of abnormal labour in a woman with a breech presentation?
Fetal factor
A woman in labour is diagnosed with secondary prolonged labour. How many hours has she been in labour?
More than 8 hours
What is the most common complication of abnormal labour in the neonate?
Low Apgar score
Which of the following is NOT a type of abnormal labour?
Precipitous labour
What is the primary indication for cesarean delivery in abnormal labour?
Fetal distress
What is the purpose of oxytocin administration in abnormal labour?
To augment labour
Which of the following is a maternal complication of abnormal labour?
Infection
What is the primary role of instrumental delivery in abnormal labour?
To facilitate vaginal delivery
Study Notes
Definition
- Abnormal labour, also known as dystocia, refers to a labour that does not progress normally, resulting in complications for the mother and/or fetus.
Causes
- Fetal factors:
- Abnormal fetal position or presentation (e.g. breech, transverse)
- Macrosomia (fetal macrosomia)
- Multiple gestations
- Maternal factors:
- Uterine abnormalities (e.g. uterine septum, fibroids)
- Pelvic abnormalities (e.g. pelvic contraction)
- Obstetric complications (e.g. placenta previa, abruption)
- Medical conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes)
- Other factors:
- Protracted labour
- Inadequate uterine contractions
- Ineffective pushing
Types
- Prolonged labour:
- Primary prolonged labour: labour lasting > 20 hours in nulliparas or > 14 hours in multiparas
- Secondary prolonged labour: labour lasting > 8 hours in nulliparas or > 6 hours in multiparas
- Arrest of labour:
- Failure to progress in the active phase of labour
- Abnormal fetal heart rate:
- Non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns
Complications
- Maternal complications:
- Infection
- Hemorrhage
- Uterine rupture
- Vaginal lacerations
- Fetal complications:
- Fetal distress
- Birth asphyxia
- Meconium aspiration syndrome
- Neonatal complications:
- Low Apgar score
- Birth trauma
Management
- Augmentation of labour:
- Oxytocin administration
- Artificial rupture of membranes
- Cesarean delivery:
- Indicated for fetal distress, failed induction, or maternal complications
- Instrumental delivery:
- Forceps or vacuum extraction may be used in cases of fetal distress or maternal exhaustion
- Analgesia and anaesthesia:
- Epidural anaesthesia may be used to manage pain and facilitate delivery
Abnormal Labour (Dystocia)
- Labour that does not progress normally, resulting in complications for the mother and/or fetus.
Causes of Abnormal Labour
- Fetal factors:
- Abnormal fetal position or presentation (e.g. breech, transverse)
- Macrosomia (fetal macrosomia)
- Multiple gestations
- Maternal factors:
- Uterine abnormalities (e.g. uterine septum, fibroids)
- Pelvic abnormalities (e.g. pelvic contraction)
- Obstetric complications (e.g. placenta previa, abruption)
- Medical conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes)
- Other factors:
- Protracted labour
- Inadequate uterine contractions
- Ineffective pushing
Types of Abnormal Labour
Prolonged Labour
- Primary prolonged labour: labour lasting > 20 hours in nulliparas or > 14 hours in multiparas
- Secondary prolonged labour: labour lasting > 8 hours in nulliparas or > 6 hours in multiparas
Arrest of Labour
- Failure to progress in the active phase of labour
Abnormal Fetal Heart Rate
- Non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns
Complications of Abnormal Labour
Maternal Complications
- Infection
- Hemorrhage
- Uterine rupture
- Vaginal lacerations
Fetal Complications
- Fetal distress
- Birth asphyxia
- Meconium aspiration syndrome
Neonatal Complications
- Low Apgar score
- Birth trauma
Management of Abnormal Labour
Augmentation of Labour
- Oxytocin administration
- Artificial rupture of membranes
Cesarean Delivery
- Indicated for fetal distress, failed induction, or maternal complications
Instrumental Delivery
- Forceps or vacuum extraction may be used in cases of fetal distress or maternal exhaustion
Analgesia and Anaesthesia
- Epidural anaesthesia may be used to manage pain and facilitate delivery
This quiz covers the causes and complications of abnormal labour, also known as dystocia, including fetal and maternal factors. Learn about the different types of abnormal fetal position and maternal uterine and pelvic abnormalities.
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