Dystocia is when something happens during labor that causes problems for the baby itself, or it\’s caused by a narrowing of the mother\’s pelvic cavity, structural abnormalities in the uterus or vagina, weak or abnormal uterine contractions. Also, dystocia literally means “difficult childbirth.” Clinical manifestations include slow labor or even cessation of labor.
The delivery of an expectant mother is mainly divided into three stages:
1. The average time from the onset of labor pain to the complete dilation of the cervix is no more than 12 hours. If it exceeds 20 hours for first-time mothers and 14 hours for multiparous women, it is considered too long;
2. It takes an average of two hours from the time the cervix is fully dilated to the time the fetus is born;
3. It usually takes five to thirty minutes from the birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta. Among these three stages, if any stage is not smooth and the production time is too long, it can be called dystocia.
The cause of dystocia is closely related to the interaction of the fetus, birth canal, and uterine contractions.
Problems with the fetus itself are the main cause of difficult labor. The most common situation is that the baby\’s head is too big. Measuring an infant\’s intervertebral distance (BPD) determines head size.
If the BPD exceeds 10 cm, delivery is more difficult; if it exceeds 10.5 cm, vaginal delivery is almost impossible. Other causes of dystocia include hydrocephalus, fetal tumors, conjoined twins, giant babies, and abnormal fetal position: wrong postures such as hip droop, forehead droop, occipital position, transverse position, etc. can also lead to dystocia.
Nowadays, the problem of fetal malposition can be accurately grasped before delivery, greatly reducing the incidence of dystocia. The average weight of the fetus is 3300-3400 grams. A fetus that is too large can easily cause birth canal rupture and increase the chance of dystocia.
Therefore, expectant mothers must not use \”providing fetal nutrition\” as an excuse to eat without restraint! During pregnancy, a pregnant woman\’s weight gain should be controlled within a reasonable range of 10-14 kg. The normal fetal position for delivery should be the head position, so that delivery can be smooth. Therefore, the fetal position is not as good as the breech or transverse position, which will cause difficult labor.
Proper and regular exercise reduces the risk of difficult labor
If an expectant mother unfortunately has a dystocia, she should have a correct understanding. She must understand that every dystocia is an individual case, and it does not mean that it will happen again. Secondly, regular prenatal check-ups are the most effective and positive way to reduce or eliminate difficult labor.
Family members, such as the husband, parents-in-law or parents of pregnant women, should also assume the responsibility of assisting and cooperating with doctors to help women with difficult labor regain their confidence. In addition, women who have experienced the pain of dystocia can give themselves more time to calm down physically and mentally, and then face pregnancy and childbirth with a healthy and peaceful attitude. This is a natural and precious life experience. This is no longer a terrible thing.