Difficult Labor: Essential Knowledge

Difficult Labor: Essential Knowledge

This article provides information about common complications that can occur during labor and delivery, including:

1. Uterine Contraction (UC) Disorders:

• Increased UC:

• Definition: Increased muscle tension and frequency of contractions.

• Causes: Mechanical obstruction (narrow pelvis, anterior uterine fibroids, abnormal fetal presentation), amniotic infection, multiple pregnancies.

• Serious complications: Uterine rupture.

• Management: Use of medications to reduce contractions, cesarean delivery if necessary.

• Decreased UC:

• Causes: Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid), oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), ectopic pregnancy, fetal distress, amniotic infection.

• Management: Amniotomy (breaking the amniotic sac), oxytocin augmentation, cesarean delivery if necessary.

• Basic Uterine Muscle Hypertonicity Disorder:

• Causes: Placental abruption, placental edema.

• Management: Treat the underlying cause, monitor closely.

2. Abnormal Fetal Presentation:

• Transverse Lie:

• Management: Cesarean delivery.

• Complications: Cord prolapse.

• Brow Presentation:

• Management: Cesarean delivery.

• Face Presentation:

• Complications: Uterine rupture, cervical laceration.

• Management: Cesarean delivery.

3. Narrow Pelvis:

• Classification: Overall narrowness, limited, anterior curve, posterior curve, asymmetry.

• Management: Cesarean delivery, trial of labor if necessary.

4. Large Baby:

• Causes: Maternal diabetes, fetal malformations.

• Management: Trial of labor, cesarean delivery if necessary.

5. Cord Prolapse:

• Complications: Fetal distress, fetal asphyxia.

• Management: Emergency cesarean delivery.

6. Other Complications:

• Polyhydramnios: Premature rupture of membranes, cord prolapse, uterine rupture.

• Oligohydramnios: Fetal distress, stillbirth.

• Cervical Edema: Frequent internal examinations.

Note:

• This article provides general information about issues related to difficult labor.

• Specific diagnosis and treatment should be performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Consult your doctor for advice and timely treatment!