8 Questions
What is the approximate incidence of abnormal labour?
1 in 5 women
What is prolonged labour defined as?
Labour lasting >12 hours in primigravida
What is a cause of obstructed labour?
All of the above
What is a complication of abnormal labour?
All of the above
What may be necessary in cases of prolonged labour or obstructed labour?
Cesarean section
What is a fetal factor that can contribute to abnormal labour?
Fetal macrosomia
What is a maternal factor that can contribute to abnormal labour?
All of the above
What is a placental factor that can contribute to abnormal labour?
All of the above
Study Notes
Definition and Incidence
- Abnormal labour is a deviation from the normal labour process, which can lead to complications for the mother and fetus.
- Incidence: approximately 1 in 5 women experience abnormal labour.
Types of Abnormal Labour
- Prolonged Labour: labour lasting >12 hours in primigravida (first-time mother) or >6 hours in multigravida (mother who has given birth before).
- Arrest of Labour: labour that ceases to progress despite adequate uterine contractions.
- Obstructed Labour: labour complicated by mechanical obstruction, e.g., fetal macrosomia or cephalopelvic disproportion.
- Precipitate Labour: labour that progresses rapidly, often resulting in fetal distress or maternal complications.
Causes of Abnormal Labour
-
Fetal Factors:
- Fetal macrosomia
- Fetal malposition (e.g., breech presentation)
-
Maternal Factors:
- Uterine anomalies (e.g., septate uterus)
- Previous uterine surgery
- Obesity
-
Placental Factors:
- Placenta previa
- Placental abruption
Complications of Abnormal Labour
-
Maternal Complications:
- Infection
- Haemorrhage
- Uterine rupture
-
Fetal Complications:
- Fetal distress
- Birth asphyxia
- Neonatal morbidity and mortality
Management of Abnormal Labour
- Cesarean Section: may be necessary in cases of prolonged labour, obstructed labour, or fetal distress.
- Instrumental Delivery: forceps or ventouse may be used to assist delivery in cases of fetal distress or maternal exhaustion.
- Oxytocin Augmentation: oxytocin infusion to stimulate uterine contractions in cases of prolonged labour or arrest of labour.
Abnormal Labour
- Deviation from the normal labour process, leading to complications for the mother and fetus.
- Approximately 1 in 5 women experience abnormal labour.
Types of Abnormal Labour
- Prolonged Labour: labour lasting >12 hours in primigravida (first-time mother) or >6 hours in multigravida (mother who has given birth before).
- Arrest of Labour: labour that ceases to progress despite adequate uterine contractions.
- Obstructed Labour: labour complicated by mechanical obstruction, e.g., fetal macrosomia or cephalopelvic disproportion.
- Precipitate Labour: labour that progresses rapidly, often resulting in fetal distress or maternal complications.
Causes of Abnormal Labour
-
Fetal Factors:
- Fetal macrosomia (large fetus)
- Fetal malposition (e.g., breech presentation)
-
Maternal Factors:
- Uterine anomalies (e.g., septate uterus)
- Previous uterine surgery
- Obesity
-
Placental Factors:
- Placenta previa
- Placental abruption
Complications of Abnormal Labour
-
Maternal Complications:
- Infection
- Haemorrhage
- Uterine rupture
-
Fetal Complications:
- Fetal distress
- Birth asphyxia
- Neonatal morbidity and mortality
Management of Abnormal Labour
- Cesarean Section: may be necessary in cases of prolonged labour, obstructed labour, or fetal distress.
- Instrumental Delivery: forceps or ventouse may be used to assist delivery in cases of fetal distress or maternal exhaustion.
- Oxytocin Augmentation: oxytocin infusion to stimulate uterine contractions in cases of prolonged labour or arrest of labour.
This quiz covers the definition and incidence of abnormal labour, as well as its different types such as prolonged labour and arrest of labour. It is essential for healthcare professionals to understand abnormal labour to provide proper care to expecting mothers.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
