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
|
Correct Answer � A
Explanation
|
|
Ans: A. Secondary arrest after progression of labor
- 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:
- It 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.
- The 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 the cervix to delivery of the infant.
Third stage of labor:
- Involves delivery of the 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.
