Have you ever heard the word “ Labor Dystocia”? It refers to abnormally slow or prolonged labor. Studies have shown that 55 percent of C section is due to labor dystocia and it is most common in women who are having their first delivery. To know more about what it is, how to know that a woman in labor has it and what could be done in that situation, read below.
So what is labor dystocia and how would I know if I have it?
The following are the criteria to diagnose that there is labor dystocia:
(1) The cervical dilatation gets arrested at 4-6 CMS and does not progress more than that
(2) Cervix changes occur less than 1 cm in 2 hours
(3) No cervical changes though the contractions have lasted more than 6 hours
(4) Failure of progression of labor even after being induced
(5) No progression or contraction even after 12 to 18 hours after the membrane has
ruptured
Who is at risk of having labor dystocia?
Labor dystocia is common in women who are having their first delivery. Women who had C section prior have an increased risk of having dystocia compared to those who delivered vaginally. Women who have high BMI are at more risk of having labor dystocia. Older maternal age is also related to labor dystocia.
What are the complications associated with labor dystocia?
Labor dystocia results in an increased risk of damage to the pelvic floor. It also increases the risk of having prolapse and incontinence in the future. It causes severe bleeding, chances of uterine infection, could result in a rupture of the uterus. There is a risk of infection and respiratory trouble to the baby inside the womb/in neonatal period.
What is the treatment given in case of labor dystocia?
The following treatment would be given in the hospital if labor dystocia is diagnosed:
(1) Providing a high dose of oxytocin to induce/augment labor
(2) Amniotomy (artificially rupturing the membrane around the amniotic fluid)
(3) Continuous labor support for the women through a doula
The baby would be monitored continuously and if anything abnormal occurs to the baby or if all the above mentioned measures failed, then the doctor would decide to move into C-section delivery.
What can you do to avoid labor dystocia?
Exercise your pelvic floor regularly throughout the pregnancy to make it strong & pliable and ready for birthing. If you are getting admitted in the early stage of labor, stay upright, walk and remain active until the active stage starts. Have a doula with you to support you continuously through out the labor, and encourage and help you to move around. Studies have shown that continuous labor support shortens the labor duration as well as reduces the risk of having a C section. Massaging the perineum helps with progression of labor.
Giving birth is stressful. Stress and tension release hormones that slow down labor. So becoming familiar and prepared with what happens to your body during labor and birth helps you to stay calm during the birthing process. Doing abdominal breathing exercises help you to stay calm as well as help with progression of labor.
