As expectant mothers approach their due date, many concerns arise—such as what if labor becomes difficult? In fact, difficult labor can be prevented.
I. Difficult Labor
Difficult labor refers to an abnormally slow progression of the birthing process, increasing morbidity and mortality risks for both mother and fetus. It broadly encompasses situations during delivery where complications arise due to issues with the infant itself, or factors like maternal pelvic narrowing, uterine or vaginal structural abnormalities, or weak or abnormal uterine contractions.Literally meaning "difficult birth," clinical manifestations include a slow or even halted delivery process. The primary causes of difficult labor are qi and blood deficiency or qi stagnation and blood stasis, which impair the normal activity of the uterus. Successful vaginal delivery depends on three key factors: labor force, birth canal, and the fetus. Abnormalities in one or more of these factors can lead to difficult labor.
So, how can difficult labor be prevented?
II. Preventing Difficult Labor
1. Manage fetal factors: Identify and control gestational diabetes. Good blood sugar control reduces the risk of macrosomia and difficult labor.
2. Perform thorough ultrasound examinations: Detect fetal abnormalities such as malpresentation or excessive fetal weight to implement appropriate interventions.
3. Manage birth canal factors: Engage in appropriate exercise and maintain healthy weight before pregnancy. Complete thorough prenatal examinations to detect pelvic or birth canal tumors.
4. Administer uterine stimulants appropriately: When uterine contractions are insufficient, uterine stimulants may be administered under fetal safety precautions to achieve adequate contraction strength. Fetal monitoring must be initiated beforehand to observe fetal condition.