Publication:

Feto maternal outcome in obstructed labor: a tertiary centre study

Background The number of maternal deaths as a result of obstructed labor is 8% globally but this number varies in developing country, it ranges 4-70% of all maternal deaths and it is also associated to high perinatal mortality rate. Objective of the study was to find out the proportion of obstructed labour cases and their feto-maternal outcome during last 3 years at tertiary level institute.

Methods A cross sectional observation study was done at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre Bhopal. All pregnant women presenting with obstructed labor who delivered at our hospital during last 3 years duration (January 2015 to December 2017) were studied for their feto -maternal outcome.

Results 53% cases had duration of trail more than 16 hours. 84% were referred from primary health centers of nearby rural areas. All  cases  of obstructed labor  delivered by cesarean section (100%). 44% were primigravida. 72% of cases had Cephalopelvic disproportion as the cause. 28% of cases had longer stay more than 7 days at hospital. 32% had  fever  during post operative period 12.5% cases had wound sepsis and 6% of cases required re-suturing of wound during post operative period. 72% baby's birth weight was between 3 to 3.4 kg. 94% of the babies survived where as 6% of babies were still birth. 16% of babies born to obstructed labor mother had APGAR less than 7 at 5 minutes of birth. 6% fetus were IUFD.

Conclusions Cephalopelvic disproportion was the most common cause for obstructed labor. Timely identification of prolonged labor and timely referral and management at place where operation theatre, NICU and blood bank facilities are available can save the life of both baby and mother.