Obstructed labor is one where despite good uterine contractions, the progressive descent of the presenting part is arrested due to mechanical obstruction.
Labor can sometimes get stuck, which is a situation known as obstructed labor. When this happens, it is important to know what to do to help the mother and baby. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of obstruction, how to tell if labor is obstructed, and what you can do to help resolve the situation.
What is obstructed labor?
Obstructed labor is one where despite good uterine contractions, the progressive descent of the presenting part is arrested due to mechanical obstruction.
It occurs when the baby’s head is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis. This can happen for several reasons, including the baby being larger than average or the mother having a small pelvis.
If you’re in labor and your doctor thinks you may have obstructed labor, they will usually do a cesarean section to deliver the baby.
What causes obstructed labor?
A baby that is too large to pass through the mother’s pelvis is the most typical cause of obstructed labor. Other causes include:
- The mother has a small pelvis
- The baby is in an abnormal position
- The umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck
- The presence of a tumor or mass in the pelvis
- Birth defects in the fetus
- Locked twins
- Abnormalities of the uterus
What are the signs of obstructed labor?
There are a few different signs that may indicate you have obstructed labor:
- You have strong, regular contractions but little or no cervical change over several hours.
- Your cervix isn’t fully dilated or effaced.
- You have a bulging or tense membrane.
- Your baby’s head isn’t descending into the pelvis or isn’t engaged in the pelvis.
If you think you may be in labor, it’s important to call your doctor right away so they can determine if you have obstructed labor and can help you deliver your baby safely.
How is obstructed labor diagnosed?
Your doctor will likely suspect you have obstructed labor if you have strong uterine contractions, but your baby is not progressing down the birth canal. They will confirm the diagnosis with a pelvic exam and an X-ray or ultrasound.
What are the complications of obstructed labor?
If obstructed labor is not resolved, it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby, including:
Effects on the mother:
- Uterine rupture
- Exhaustion due to constant pain
- Dehydration
- Metabolic acidosis
- Infection
- Maternal death
Effects on the fetus
- Fetal distress
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Asphyxia: When the oxygen supply to the fetus is cut off, this can cause permanent brain damage or death.
- Cerebral palsy: This is a condition that affects movement and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after birth.
- Infection
- Stillbirth
How is obstructed labor prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent obstructed labor, but there are some things that can help lower your risk:
- Get regular prenatal care so your doctor can monitor your baby’s growth and detect the factors that likely produce obstructed labor.
- Having a healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy.
- Delivering your baby at a facility where cesarean sections can be performed.
- Use of partograph throughout the labor process.
How is obstructed labor treated?
If you have obstructed labor, your doctor will likely do a cesarean section to deliver your baby. This is a surgery in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen.
In some cases, it may be possible to deliver the baby vaginally if the obstruction is caused by the position of the baby. Your doctor may be able to manually move the baby into a better position. If the head is low down, then forceps or a vacuum may be used to help deliver the baby.
If you are in labor and think you may have obstructed labor, it’s important to call your doctor right away. They can help you deliver your baby safely and prevent complications.
Obstructed labor is a serious condition that can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby if not treated promptly.
