Question
The following graph represents the stages of labor. Which of the following statements is true about the graph C?
A. Secondary arrest after progression of labor
B. Prolonged active phase of labor
C. Prolonged latent phase/primary arrest of labor
D. Normal labor in a primigravida
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » A
Explanation
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Ans: A. Secondary arrest after progression of labor
(Ref. Management of Labor- by Arul Kumaran 3/e p39)
- Graph A: Prolonged Latent phase; Graph B: Prolonged active phase; Graph C: Arrest in Active phase (Secondary arrest).
Stages of labor:
- Defined by Friedman’s original research in 1955 .
- 3 stages.
First stage:
- Starts with uterine contractions leading to complete cervical dilation and is divided into latent & active phases.
Latent phase:
- Irregular uterine contractions occur with slow & gradual cervical effacement & dilation.
Active phase:
- Demonstrated by an increased rate of cervical dilation & fetal descent.
- Active phase usually starts at 3-4 cm cervical dilation.
- Subdivided into acceleration, maximum slope & deceleration phases.
Second stage of labor:
- Defined as complete dilation of cervix to delivery of infant.
Third stage of labor:
- Involves delivery of placenta.
Definitions of labor progression:
- Active phase at rest: No dilation for 2 hours.
- Protracted descent: >1 cm/hour.
- Arrested descent: No descent for 1 hour.
