Dystocia
Question
What is the definition and diagnosis of labour dystocia?
Answer
There is great variation in international jurisdictions regarding the terminology and objective criteria used to define and diagnose labour dystocia. Organizations wishing to address dystocia as an indicator for cesarean section need to agree on diagnostic criteria. In Canada, physicians and midwives are directed to adhere to clinical practice guidelines published by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) for the diagnosis and management of dystocia. These guidelines address only the first stage of labour. Guidelines for second stage have been published by the Ottawa Hospital.
