Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Abnormal Labour

Q: What is the defining characteristic of obstructed labour?

Obstructed labour is characterized by failure of descent despite strong uterine contractions, indicating a mechanical obstruction to delivery.

Q: What is the primary cause of hypotonic uterine dysfunction?

Hypotonic uterine dysfunction can be caused by various factors including overdistended uterus, exhaustion, and sedation, which can lead to weak and infrequent contractions.

Q: What is the management of obstructed labour?

Obstructed labour is an obstetric emergency requiring immediate intervention, typically by Caesarean section, to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

Q: What is the classification of labour that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation?

Preterm labour is defined as labour that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, which can lead to complications for the newborn.

Q: What is the term for a labour that lasts less than 3 hours?

Precipitate labour refers to a very rapid labour, typically lasting less than 3 hours, which can increase the risk of maternal and fetal trauma.

Abnormal labor refers to the failure of normal labor progression due to abnormalities in onset, progress, or mechanism of labor. It is clinically significant because it can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus, including uterine rupture, fetal distress, and even death if not promptly and properly managed. Understanding abnormal labor is crucial for medical students as it enables them to identify and manage high-risk pregnancies, make timely interventions, and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Free forever

The summary, the quiz, and the download stay accessible without forcing a sign-in flow. Donations only support the mission.

Abnormal Labour one-page medical summary

Right-click or long-press to save the image directly.

Quiz mode

Test your knowledge

Answer the visible questions first, then score yourself before revealing more.

1. What is the defining characteristic of obstructed labour?

2. What is the primary cause of hypotonic uterine dysfunction?

3. What is the management of obstructed labour?

4. What is the classification of labour that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation?

5. What is the term for a labour that lasts less than 3 hours?

Answer all 5 visible questions to submit.

Abnormal Labour

Test your knowledge

More in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Normal Labour

Molar Pregnancy