The Baby has not Come: Obstructed Labour

Antenatal care can pick out some women who are at risk of obstructed labour and a plan should be made for them to deliver in hospital. Careful monitoring in labour with appropriate use of abdominal and vaginal examinations can identify those who are not progressing. The partograph can give this valuable information in visual form. If the contractions are not regular and strong the safe use of oxytocin will increase the number of normal deliveries and therefore avoid some Caesarean sections