Obstructed labor is a failure of the fetus to progress through the birth canal despite adequate uterine contractions because of a physical obstruction or mismatch between the fetus and the maternal passage.
Causes can include an unfavorable relationship between fetal size or position and the maternal pelvis, abnormal fetal presentation or position, or physical obstruction within the pelvis. Obstructed labor is an obstetric emergency and can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications if not recognized and treated promptly.
Management depends on the cause and clinical circumstances and may include assisted vaginal delivery or cesarean section when appropriate.
QUICK FACT
Obstructed labor is not simply labor that is long. Prolonged labor and true mechanical obstruction are related but distinct concepts.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD): a term describing an inability of the fetal head or body to pass through the maternal pelvis; it is one possible contributor to obstructed labor.
- Failure to progress: inadequate progress in labor, which can have several causes and does not automatically mean mechanical obstruction.
SEE ALSO
