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Chapter 10 Labor Abnormalities
Stephen J. Smith, MD and
Amanda M. Rhodes, MD❍ What is the definition of labor?
The presence of uterine contractions of sufficient intensity, frequency, and duration to cause effacement and
dilation of the cervix.
❍ What is the definition of labor dystocia?
Abnormal labor resulting from abnormalities in “power, passenger, or passage.”
❍ In the United States, the most common indication of primary cesarean delivery is?
Arrest of first or second stage of labor.
❍ Many repeat cesarean deliveries are performed after primary cesarean delivery for labor arrest in the first
or second stage. Taking this fact into account, what percentage of all cesarean deliveries performed in the
United States are attributable to the diagnosis of dystocia?
25–55%.
❍ What is one of the most important steps in active management of patients that has been found to increase the
rate of successful vaginal delivery and decrease the cesarean delivery rate?
Delaying admission until active labor is established.
❍ According to the data by Friedman, latent phase is considered prolonged if?
It exceeds 20 hours in nulliparas or 14 hours in multiparas.
❍ According to the contemporary data by Zhang, the active phase begins when the cervix is?
6 cm. dilated.
❍ Management of choice for prolonged latent phase is?
Therapeutic rest induced with morphine.