ABSTRACT
This study included 60 women at term. The cases were divided into two subgroups. Control group: includes 30 women with normal labour patterns, [15 cases with normal vaginal delivery and 15 cases with elective caesarean section]. Prolonged labour group; includes 30 women with abnormal prolonged labour duration [above 18 hours], [15 cases were delivered vaginally and 15 cases by caesarean section].For each patient clinical and pelvic examinations were done. Fetal and maternal blood gases were estimated.It was apparent that the maternal and the neonatal acid-base balance shifted towards acidosis in vaginal as well as in caesarean section prolonged labour cases. When comparison was done between prolonged labour cases and normal cases, the differences were statistically significant in both the vaginal and caesarean section deliveries. In prolonged labour cases, the acid-base and electrolyte balance will be disturbed and acidosis will be more pronounced