2. Outline of presentation
Introduction
Section I: Etiologies & management of abnormal labor
Abnormal patterns of labor
Abnormalities of the passage
Abnormalities of the passenger
Abnormalities of the power
Section II: Partograph
09/04/16 2
3. Introduction
Normal Labor is a sequence of uterine contractions that results in
effacement and dilatation of the cervix and voluntary bearing-down
efforts leading to the expulsion per vagina of the products of conception
Abnormal labor is labor that deviates from the course of normal labor
several labor abnormalities that may interfere with the orderly
progression to spontaneous delivery=>dystocia
Without timely intervention, abnormal labor usually leads to prolonged
labor
Maternal and neonatal complications are increased with increasing
duration of labor
One of the main objectives of monitoring labor is to detect abnormal
progress of labor before it is prolonged
09/04/16 3
4. Incidence of labor abnormalities
Difficult to determine the exact incidence.
In nulliparous patients, the incidence of labor disorders is ≈
25%
Dystocia is currently the most common (50 - 60%) indication
for 1˚ C/S, ≈ 3X more common than either NRFHRP or
malpresentation.
409/04/16
5. Etiologies
The causes of abnormal labor are generally fall in to the
following:
A. Abnormal patterns of labor
B. Abnormalities of the passage
C. Abnormalities of the passenger
D. Abnormalities of the power
09/04/16 5
6. Abnormal Patterns of Labor
Friedman described four abnormal patterns of labor
1. prolonged latent phase
2. protraction disorders (protracted active-phase dilatation and protracted descent)
3. arrest disorders (arrest of dilatation, arrest of descent, and failure of descent), and
4. precipitate labor disorders.
09/04/16 6
7. Disorders of latent phase
1. Prolonged latent phase
From the onset of regular uterine contractions to the beginning of the
active phase of cervical dilatation
The latent phase is abnormally prolonged if it lasts:
more than 20 hours in nulliparas or
more than 14 hours in multiparas
Causes of prolonged latent phase include:
use of general anesthesia before labor enters the active phase,
labor beginning with an unfavorable cervix,
irregular, uncoordinated, and ineffective uterine contractions, and
fetopelvic disproportion
09/04/16 7
8. Prolonged latent phase…
Treatment options
primarily consist of therapeutic rest regimens or active management of
labor
Adequate rest
Rehydration
Oxytocin stimulation OR cesarean delivery for urgent problems.
If immediate delivery is required for clinical reasons (eg, severe
preeclampsia or amnionitis), oxytocin infusion is the treatment of
choice.
09/04/16 8
9. Diagnosis and management of prolonged latent phase of labor
9
Augmentation +
ARM
Note: If there is rupture of fetal
membranes and contractions
cease, manage her as PROM09/04/16
10. Disorders of the Active Phase…
2. Protraction Disorders
May be divided into:
protracted active-phase dilatation and
protracted descent
Protracted active-phase dilatation:
characterized by an abnormally slow rate of dilatation in the active
phase,
less than 1.2 cm/h in nulliparas or less than 1.5 cm/h in multiparas.
Protracted descent of the fetus:
Characterized by a rate of descent;
less than 1 cm/h in nulliparas or
less than 2 cm/h in multiparas.
The second stage of labor is protracted when the stage exceeds:
2 hours in nulliparas or 1 hour in multiparas, or
3 and 2 hours, respectively, in the presence of conduction anesthesia.09/04/16 10
11. Protraction Disorders…
Cause of a protraction disorder:
Is probably multifactorial
Inadequate uterine activity(the most common)
Fetopelvic disproportion
Abnormal positioning of the fetal presenting part
improperly administered conduction anesthesia
excessive sedation and,
pelvic tumors obstructing the birth canal
09/04/16 11
12. Protraction Disorders…
Treatment of protraction disorders:
Depends on the presence or absence of fetopelvic disproportion, and
The adequacy of uterine contractions,
Cesarean section is indicated in the presence of confirmed fetopelvic
disproportion
In the absence of fetopelvic disproportion,
conservative management:
consisting of support and close observation, and
therapy with oxytocin augmentation
both carry a good prognosis for vaginal delivery (approximately
two-thirds of patients)
09/04/16 12
13. 3. Arrest Disorders
The two patterns of arrest in labor can be characterized as follows:
secondary arrest of dilatation
with no progressive cervical dilatation in the active phase of labor for 2
hours or more and
Arrest of descent
with descent failing to progress for 1 hour or more.
Causative factors:
fetopelvic disproportion(in approximately 50%)
fetal malpositions,
inappropriately administered anesthesia, and
excessive sedation.
Arrest disorders in the presence of adequate uterine contractions carry a poor
prognosis for vaginal delivery.
If allowed to continue, arrest disorders are associated with increased perinatal
morbidity.
09/04/16 13
16. 4. Precipitate labor and delivery
Expulsion of the fetus in less than 3 hours
cervical dilation ≥ 5cm /hr in a primigravida
≥ 10cm /hr in a multipara.
Causes
abnormally low birth canal resistance
extremely strong uterine contractions
The absence of painful sensations
1609/04/16
17. Complications
Maternal
uterine rupture
extensive lacerations of the cervix, vagina, vulva, or perineum
PPH from uterine atony
Fetal
Perinatal mortality and morbidity
intracranial hemorrhage
risks associated with unattended delivery
Management
stop any oxytocin if being administered
no significant use of analgesia
terbutaline or ritodrine intravenously
Physical attempts to retard delivery are absolutely contraindicated
1709/04/16
18. Abnormalities of birth canal (passage)
involve aberrations of pelvic structure and its relationship to the
presenting part
The abnormalities may be related to:
size or configurational alterations
soft-tissue abnormalities
reproductive tract masses
aberrant placental location.
Mechanism
For Contracted pelvis , the fetus has difficulty in passing through birth
canal.
The labor is protracted or arrested.
Secondary uterine inertia occurs.
1809/04/16
20. Assessment of the passages….
Contracted midpelvis:
convergence of side walls
prominence of ischial spines
Narrow interspinous
diameter.(normally 10cm)
Normally AP diameter =11.5
2009/04/16
21. Assessment of the passages…
Contacted Pelvic out let:
Intertuberous diameter < 8 cm
narrow subpubic arch
2109/04/16
22. Diagnostic approach and risk assessment
Suspect CPD
Previous prolonged labor with bad
obstetric history or operative delivery
Primigravida especially if age < 16yrs
True conjugate of 8 – 10 cm (borderline
CPD)
Prominent ischial spines, flat sacrum etc
Gross CPD
Estimated fetal wt ≥ 4kg
Hydrocephalus
Gross traumatic or congenital
pelvic abnormality
True conjugate and/or
bituberous diameter <8cm
2209/04/16
23. Abnormalities of birth canal…
Treatment plan
CS for gross CPD with normal fetus
Hydrocephalus is managed by craniocentesis
If gross CPD with normal fetus is dxed, elective CS –apro.
Suspected CPD:
Plan place of delivery at a hospital
Conduct trial of labor using partograph
Emergency CS is done when CPD is diagnosed after trial of labor
N.B. Absolute CI of vaginal delivery after clinical or x-ray estimation
contracted pelvis is out dated, so trial of labor is necessary
2309/04/16
24. Abnormalities of fetus (passenger)
Abnormalities of fetal:
position,
presentation,
lie,
attitude
Macrosomia
Fetal malformation(hydrocephaly)
2409/04/16
26. Abnormalities of fetus (passenger)…
Diagnostic approach
Clinical assessment is usually diagnostic especially in labor with dilated
cervix through which Vaginal Exam. provides adequate information.
Ultrasound is mainly used to:
investigate predisposing factors (e.g., placenta previa, fetal goiter)
assess fetal condition
assess attitude of the fetus especially in breech
confirm clinical diagnosis etc
2609/04/16
27. Malposition and Malpresentation
Occiput posterior
The occiput is posterior in relation to the maternal pelvis
(contracted anthropoid or android)
Diagnosis:
Abdominal findings
Anteriorly palpable fetal limbs
Fetal heart heard in the flank
Vaginal findings
Posterior fontanelle towards the sacrum
Anterior fontanelle felt anteriorly if neck is flexed
2709/04/16
28. Occiput posterior…
Management plan
Gross CPD or any other indication for CS CS⇒
No gross CPD, follow labor closely:
Anterior rotation to OA expect vaginal delivery as OA⇒
Posterior rotation and if:
borderline CPD suspected, perform CS
Grossly adequate pelvic, expect vaginal delivery and manage labor
as OA including augmentation of labor if there are inadequate
uterine contractions.
The use of instrumental vaginal deliveries is also as in vertex
Anterior Position.
2809/04/16
29. Malposition and Malpresentation…
Persistent occiput transverse
No rotation of the OT position for 2 or more hours.
platypelloid or android pelvis
pelvic dystocia, uterine dystocia
Management: C/S
2909/04/16
30. Brow presentation
Partial extension of the fetal neck making the sinciput lower than the
occiput
rarest , o.o6% of all deliveries
Engagement can’t take place _ unless head is small or pelvis is very large
Diagnosis
Abdominal findings
Occiput felt above sinciput
Vaginal findings
Anterior fontanelle and orbit are felt
Mgt:-Cesarean delivery if:
Suspected CPD or any other indication for CS
Flexion to OP or extension to MP
Persistent brow
Grossly adequate pelvis with:
Flexion/ extension to occiput posterior/MA expect vaginal delivery⇒
3009/04/16
31. Face presentation (0.2% of all deliveries)
Hyperextension of the neck with the face being the
leading part
The widest diameter of the fetal head negotiating
the pelvis in face presentation is the
tracheobregmatic or submentobregmatic diameter
Associated risk factors: grand multiparity, advanced
maternal age, pelvic masses, multiple gestation,
polyhydramnios, macrosomia, congenital anomalies
Diagnosis
Abdominal findings
Groove may be felt between the occiput and
the back
09/04/16 31
32. Face presentation…
Vaginal findings
Face palpated and the finger may get
into the mouth
The mouth with the two malar bone
prominences make a triangle (unlike in
breech where the anal orifice with two
trochanteric eminences are in a line)
MA: Chin anterior position
MP: Chin posterior
3209/04/16
33. Landmarks of fetal skull for determination of fetal position
09/04/16 33
34. Management of Face presentation
Suspected CPD or any other indication for CS CS⇒
MA:− Grossly adequate pelvis, manage labor as vertex anterior.
Augmentation and
forceps delivery can also be used when the indications arise.
Vacuum delivery is CI.
MP :− Cesarean delivery if:
Suspected CPD or any other indication for CS
Persistent brow (no rotation or late admission)
− Early admission with rotation to MA expect vaginal delivery⇒
3409/04/16
35. Abnormal fetal lies (0.33% of all deliveries )
Transverse or oblique
Causative factors: grand multiparity, prematurity(6 times more
frequently ), pelvic contraction, and abnormal placental implantation
Management option:
ECV to undergo vaginal delivery(3rd
Tx ,)
Cesarean section(mandatory with onset of labor or membrane
rupture)
09/04/16 35
36. Breech presentation (3–4% of all deliveries)
a longitudinal lie with the fetal head occupying the
fundus
Occurs more frequently in second and early third
trimesters
Subtypes:
frank breech:a breech presentation with flexed
hips and extended knees
complete breech :flexion at both hips and knees
incomplete (footling) breech :extension of one or
both hips
Conditions that are associated with breech
presentation:
Multiple gestation
Polyhydramnios
Anencephaly
Uterine anomalies
previous breech presentation
09/04/16 36
37. Diagnosed: with Leopold maneuvers, pelvic
examination, U/S
Management of Breech Presentation
External cephalic version – applying pressure to
abdomen to turn fetus in a forward or backward
• Successful 50% of the time
Selection Criteria
• Preferred candidates have completed 37
weeks gestation
Risks
• Rupture of membranes
• Placental abruption
• Uterine rupture
Procedure
• Tocolysis with terbutaline
Cesarean delivery
Vaginal delivery
09/04/16 37
38. Fetal Malformation
hydrocephalus, with an incidence of 0.05%
distended bladder, ascites, or abdominal neoplasms; or other fetal masses
Shoulder dystocia
difficult delivery of the shoulders after delivery of the fetal head
0.6–1.4% of all vaginal deliveries
R/F:
estimated fetal weights >4500 g in nondiabetic patients and >4250 g in diabetic
patients
Other fetal causes of dystocia: Hydrocephalus, distended bladder, ascites,
enlarged kidneys or liver
3809/04/16
39. Shoulder dystocia…
Diagnosis
Shoulder dystocia is a subjective clinical diagnosis.
It should be suspected when the fetal head retracts into the
perineum (ie, turtle sign) after expulsion due to reverse
traction from the shoulders being impacted in the pelvic inlet.
The diagnosis can be made when the routine practice of gentle,
downward traction of the fetal head fails to accomplish
delivery of the anterior shoulder.
09/04/16 39
40. Shoulder dystocia…
Maternal consequences
PPH- atony, laceration
Fetal consequences
fetal morbidity and mortality
Brachial plexus injury due to down ward traction on the
brachial plexus during delivery of the ant shoulder
4009/04/16
41. Shoulder dystocia…
MX of shoulder dystocia
Techniques used to free the ant shoulder
from its impacted position
Moderate suprapubic pressure with
down ward traction to the fetal head
The MC Roberts maneuver
hyperflexion of maternal legs upon
to the abdomen
• Cause straightening of the sacrum
relative to the lumbar vertebrae
09/04/16 41
42. Shoulder dystocia…
Rubin
The fetal shoulders are rocked from
side to side by applying force to the
maternal abdomen
The pelvic hand pushes accessible
fetal shoulder toward the ant. surface
of the chest
results in abduction of both
shoulders
produce smaller shoulder to
shoulder diameter
Fracture of the clavicle
by pressing the ant clavicle against
the ramus of the pubis
to free the shoulder impaction
Zavanelli maneuver
cephalic replacement into the pelvis
and then c/ delivery
09/04/16 42
43. Compound presentation(complicates 0.1% of deliveries)
A prolapsed extremity alongside the
presenting part
Hand with head.
Hand with breach
Leg with head
Mgt:-If suspected CPD or any other indication
for CS
⇒CS
Closely monitor labor or put the woman in
the knee-chest position; push the arm above
the pelvic brim; and hold it there till a
contraction pushes the head into the pelvis:
If procedure succeeds, expect
vaginal delivery
If procedure fails or complication
arise (cord prolapse), deliver by CS
09/04/16 43
44. Abnormalities of the powers
it is the most important expulsive force.
Bring about dilation of cervix and expulsion of fetus and
placenta.
Common causes:
1° uterine inertia – abnormal uterine contraction frequency,
duration and intensity that is due to inherent myometrial
dysfunction
Mainly affects primigravid labors without other additional
factors
4409/04/16
46. Abnormalities of the powers…
2 categories
Hypotonic
insufficient force, irregular or infrequent rhythm
Cause: Sedation, over distension of the uterus, early
administration of anesthesia
Rx: -augmentation(ARM or oxytocin)
-general labor support mgt
4609/04/16
47. Abnormalities of the powers …
Hypertonic
Uncoordinated and frequent intense uterine contractions
Midsegment of uterus has more pressure power than the
fundus
Cause: over use of oxytocin,
Rx:tocolysis, decrease in oxytocin infusion, or C/S
4709/04/16
48. Abnormalities of the powers …
Assessment of powers of labor
3 ways:
Palpation of uterine contractions
External tocodynamometer
Intrauterine pressure catheter monitoring
Clinical presentation
Abdominal palpation: uterine contraction is weak, and intervals is
prolonged.
Abnormal labor course: the most important clinical presentation.
4809/04/16
49. Abnormalities of the powers …
Management
The Vaginal examination: r/o CPD
To determine fetal presentation, position and station.
To assess the cephalopelvic relation.
To consider the route of delivery.
The supportive management
Sufficient rest
To relieve anxiety and fear.
Fluid and food intake.
4909/04/16
50. Abnormalities of the powers …
Augmentation
Increase the frequency and force of the existing uterine contractions.
Methods:
Amniotomy
oxytocin administration
Amniotomy :
If the fetal head is engaged, amniotomy is a choice to facilitate the uterine
activity.
After amniotomy the fetal head descends , pressing directly on cervix to
enforce uterine contraction⇒ accelerating labor.
5009/04/16
53. Outline
Introduction
Partograph &its use
Observations charted on the Partograph
Abnormal Progress of Labor
Management of Labor
5309/04/16
54. Partograph
Graphic recording of the progress of labor
Recording of salient conditions of the mother and fetus
Early warning system
Uses
To detect abnormal labor
To indicate when augmentation of labor is appropriate
To recognize CPD
5409/04/16
55. WHO Partograph: Results of Study
All WomenAll Women BeforeBefore
ImplementationImplementation
AfterAfter
ImplementationImplementation
pp
Total deliveriesTotal deliveries 1825418254 1723017230
Labor > 18 hoursLabor > 18 hours 6.4%6.4% 3.4%3.4% 0.0020.002
Labor augmentedLabor augmented 20.7%20.7% 9.1%9.1% 0.0230.023
Postpartum sepsisPostpartum sepsis 0.70%0.70% 0.21%0.21% 0.0280.028
Normal WomenNormal Women
Mode of deliveryMode of delivery
SpontaneousSpontaneous
cephaliccephalic
ForcepsForceps
8428 (83.9%)8428 (83.9%)
341 (3.4%)341 (3.4%)
7869 (86.3%)7869 (86.3%)
227 (2.5%)227 (2.5%)
<0.001<0.001
0.0050.005
WHO 1994.
09/04/16 55
57. Observations charted on the Partograph
Progress of labor
Cervical dilatation
Descent of fetal head
Uterine contractions –duration, frequency
Fetal condition
Fetal heart rate
Membranes and liquor
Moulding of the fetal skull
Maternal condition
Pulse/ BP / Temp
Urine –volume, acetone, protein
Drugs & IV Fluids
Oxytocin regime
5709/04/16
58. Conditions that does not need the use of partograph
Antepartum hemorrhage
Severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
Fetal distress
Previous cesarean section
Malpresentation
09/04/16 58
59. Starting a Partograph
A partograph should be started only when a woman is in active
phase of labour
Contractions must be 1 or more in 10mins, each lasting for
20secs or more
Cervical dilatation ≥ 4cms
5909/04/16
60. 1.Progress of labour
In the centre of Partograph , along the left side are
numbers 0 -10 against squares ; each square represents
1cm dilatation.
The dilatation of Cx is plotted with an “X . Vaginal‟
examinations are done at admission and once in 4 hours
Along the bottom of the graph are numbers 0-24;each
square represents 1hour
6009/04/16
62. Descent of fetal head
It is measured in terms of fifths above the pelvic brim
The width of the 5 fingers is a guide to the expression in fifths
of the head above the brim
6209/04/16
63. Descent of fetal head
2/5 = engaged 5/5=floating head
09/04/16 63
65. Plotting the Descent of the Head
On the left hand side of the graph is the word “descent’ with
lines going from 5 –0
Descent is plotted with an “O’ on the Partograph
6509/04/16
67. Uterine Contractions
Observations are every half hour in active phase
Frequency -Number of contractions in a 10 minutes period
Duration –Measured in seconds from the time the contraction
sets in to the time the contraction passes off
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68. Recording Uterine Contractions
On the Partograph below the time line,
there are 5 blank squares going across
the length of the graph.
Each square represents 1 contraction
09/04/16 68
70. 2.Fetal condition
Fetal Heart Rate
Listen
Patient in left lateral position
Just after the contraction has passed its
strongest phase
For 1 full minute, if abnormal every 15mins
If abnormal over 3 observations, take action
Record Every half hour
09/04/16 70
71. Membranes & Liquor
State of Liquor &Record
Membranes intact I
Clear C
Meconium M
Absent A
Blood Stained B
09/04/16 71
72. Moulding
If bones Separate & sutures felt easily ……………….…………..O
If bones just Touching each other not over lapping ………….+
If bones overlapping &separate(reducible )digitally ………++
If bones severely overlapping ( Non – reducible ) …………...+++
Generally, summarized as “STONE”
09/04/16 72
74. 3.Maternal Condition
Recorded at the foot of the Partograph
Oxytocin:dosage/unit& drop/min
Drugs:any drug & iv fliud
Pulse: every half hour
BP: every 4 hrs or more frequently(any problem)
Temp: every 4 hrs or more frequently
Urine: Protein ,Acetone ,Volume
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76. Abnormal Progress of Labor
Prolonged Active Phase
In the active phase, plotting of cervical dilatation will remain on the left of
or on the alert line
If it moves to the right of the alert line, labour may be prolonged
Transfer if facility for emergencies is not available
Carful reassessment of labour and decision on further management made
7609/04/16
78. At the Action Line
It is 4 hours to the right of Alert line
Assess the cause of slow progress and take action
Action may include; termination of preg, augmentation,
observation with supportive therapy
Remember
Reaching the action line means
POSSIBLE DANGER
Think possible cause manage accordingly
7809/04/16
79. Management of Labor
Normal Latent and Active Phases
Not intervene unless complications develop
ARM may be done at any time in the active phase
7909/04/16
80. Between Alert and Action lines
• In a Health Centre:
Transfer to hospital with facilities for Cesarean section, unless
Cervix is almost fully dilated
ARM may be performed if membranes are still intact and observe
labor for a short period before transfer
• In Hospital:
Perform ARM if membranes are intact and continue routine
observations
8009/04/16
82. At or Beyond Active phase Action Line
Full medical assessment
Consider IV infusion/bladder catheterization
Options: Delivery if fetal distress or obstructed labor
Oxytocin augmentation if no contraindication
Supportive therapy (only if satisfactory progress is now established and
dilatation could be anticipated at 1cm/hr or faster)
8209/04/16
NRFHRP:non reassuring fetal pattern
The most common indications for primary cesarean delivery include, in order of frequency, labor dystocia, abnormal or indeterminate (formerly, nonreassuring) fetal heart rate tracing, fetal malpresentation, multiple gestation, and suspected fetal macrosomia
Psyche: mother’s readiness
Emanuel Friedman is a retired American obstetrician. He analysed thousands of women during labour in the 1950s, and from his statistics produced a graphical representation of an ‘ideal’ labour, which remains known as the Friedman curve.
The onset of latent labor is considered to be the point at which regular uterine contractions are perceived.
Friedman found that the mean duration of latent labor was 6.4
hours for nulliparas and 4.8 hours for multiparas.
maximum length in latent labor was 20
hours for nulliparous women and 14 hours for multiparous
After 6–12 hours of rest with sedation and hydration, 85% of patients spontaneously enter the active phase of labor, and further progression in dilatation and effacement may be expected
Ten percent of patients will have been in false labor and can be allowed to return home to await the onset of true labor if no other indications for delivery are present. In the remaining 5% of patients, uterine contractions remain ineffective in producing dilation; in the absence of any contraindication, augmentation with oxytocin infusion may be effective in progression to the active phase of labor.
Although the initiating mechanism for extraordinarily forceful uterine contractions usually is not known, abnormal contractions may be associated with administration of oxytocin. Strong uterine contractions (both in force and increased basal tone) may accompany placental abruption. Little is known about causes of low birth canal resistance.
primary uterine inertiasecondary uterine inertiatrue uterine inertia absence of effective uterine contractions during labor; primary uterine inertia, true uterine inertia, uterine inertiathat occurs when the uterus fails to contract with sufficient force to effect continuous dilation or effacement of thecervix or descent or rotation of the fetal head, and when the uterus is easily indentable at the acme of contraction;secondary uterine inertia, uterine inertia that occurs when the uterine contractions are initially vigorous but then decrease in vigor, and the progress of labor ceases.
FETOPELVIC DISPROPORTION
■ Pelvic Capacity
Fetopelvic disproportion arises from diminished pelvic capacity,
excessive fetal size, or more usually both. Any contraction of the
pelvic diameters that diminishes its capacity can create dystocia
during labor. There may be a contraction of the pelvic inlet, the
midpelvis, or the pelvic outlet, or a generally contracted pelvis
may be caused by combinations of these.
Pelvimetry is the assessment of the female pelvis[1] in relation to the birth of a baby.
Pelvic planes[edit]
Diameters of inferior aperture of lesser pelvis (female).
Pelvic inlet: The line between the narrowest bony points formed by the sacral promontory and the inner pubic arch is termed obstetrical conjugate: It should be 11.5 cm or more. This anteroposterior line at the inlet is 2 cm less than thediagonal conjugate (distance from undersurface of pubic arch to sacral promontory). The transverse diameter of the pelvic inlet measures 13.5 cm.
Midpelvis: The line between the narrowest bone points connects the ischial spines; it typically exceeds 12 cm.
Pelvic outlet: The distance between the ischial tuberosities (normally &gt; 10 cm), and the angulation of the pubic arch.
Pendulous abdomen: abnormally relaxed anterior wall of the abdomen hangs over the pubis
Malposition and malpresentation the commonest cause of dystocia
When the fetal head engages but for various reasons does not rotate spontaneously in the midpelvis as in normal labor, midpelvic transverse arrest is diagnosed
Deep transverse arrest occasionally occurs at the inlet, with molding and caput succedaneum formation falsely indicating a lower descent. Cesarean section is required.
When the diagnosis is made in the third trimester prior to labor, external cephalic version (ECV) enables a number of these patients to undergo vaginal delivery. Abnormal axial lies have a 20 times greater incidence of cord prolapse than do vertex presentations.
If all maneuvers fail and there is a chance for a good fetal outcome, a symphysiotomy or the Zavanelli procedure may be performed. This last maneuver consists of re-placement of the fetal head into the vagina in the flexed position, followed by urgent cesarean section.
The Open-Knee-Chest helps back the baby out of the pelvic brim and start again in a better position
Studies of normal uterine activity during labor have revealed the following characteristics: (1) the relative intensity of contractions is greater in the fundus than in the midportion or lower uterine segment (fundal dominance); (2) the average value of the intensity of contractions is more than 24 mm Hg (in the active phase of labor, pressures often increase to 40–60 mm Hg); (3) contractions are well synchronized in different parts of the uterus; (4) the basal resting pressure of the uterus is between 12 and 15 mm Hg; (5) the frequency of contractions progresses from 1 every 3–5 minutes to 1 every 2–3 minutes during the active phase; (6) the duration of effective contraction in active labor approaches 60 seconds; and (7) the rhythm and force of contractions are regular.
In this WHO partograph study, after using the partograph, there were significantly fewer women who had labor longer than 18 hours, needed augmentation of labor or had postpartum infection.