Dystocia

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Dystocia (antonym eutocia) is an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour. Dystocia may arise due to incoordinate uterine activity, abnormal fetal lie or presentation, or absolute or relative cephalopelvic disproportion. Oxytocin is commonly used to treat incoordinate uterine activity. However, pregnancies complicated by dystocia often end with assisted deliveries including forceps, ventouse or, commonly, caesarean section.

Shoulder dystocia is a specific case of dystocia whereby the anterior shoulder of the infant cannot pass below the pubic symphysis, or requires significant manipulation to pass below, the pubic symphysis.

Synonyms: difficult labor, abnormal labor, difficult childbirth, abnormal childbirth, dysfunctional labor