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Dystocia

Introduction

Dystocia means difficulty during labour – and typically results from abnormal fetal size or position. It occurs in about 1% of deliveries. The most common type of dystocia is shoulder dystocia where, after passage of the head the child’s anterior shoulder becomes stuck against the pubis.

Aetiology

Anatomical causes of dystocia

There are three types of anatomical problems that can lead to dystocia:

Examples of dystocia

Shoulder dystocia
A very common dystocia. This is where the shoulder cannot be delivered after the head has been delivered. Usually, the anterior shoulder is stuck behind the symphasis pubis.

Incidence – approx 0.6% of deliveries
Has a high rate of mortality and morbidity

An example of shoulder dystocia, which in this image is being treated with the application of suprapubic pressure by an external force

Aetiology

Identification

Treatment

Will successfully deliver the baby in 90% of cases
Get the mother into the McRobert’s Position

After successful delivery

Document very carefully in the notes, including the shoulder involved, the procedures attempted (what and at what time), who is present
Check for Erb’s palsy

Check umbilical cord blood for acid-base balance – and record in the notes

Cervical Dystocia is another form of dystocia. It occurs when the cervix fails to dilate during the first stage of labour
In some cases, it is due to unco-ordinated uterine contraction, which will usually be resolved with administration of oxytocin.
If this does not resolve the situation, then emergency C-section will need to be performed

References

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