Article Sections

Introduction

Abnormal labor is labor that does not progress normally, which includes labor progress slower than expected or a complete halt of progress.  Abnormal labor arises from a variety of conditions and requires management intervention, which can include augmentation, operative vaginal delivery assistance, or even cesarean delivery.

Normal labor

Labor is divided into three stages of labor:

  • The first stage of labor is defined as the time of onset of contractions to complete cervical dilation (10 cm).  This stage is further subdivided into:
    • Latent phase, characterized by slow and gradual cervical dilation that begins at the onset of uterine contractions.  It is widely variable and there is no standard rate by which cervical dilation must occur.
    • Active phase, beginning at 6 cm dilation and characterized by more rapid and predictable rates of cervical change.

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