Abnormal Labour in Pregnancy

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.

Description

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.