Assessment of labor progress

Abstract

Worldwide, the rate of delivery by cesarean section is increasing, such that the cesarean section rate is often greater than 30%. The reasons for this increase are many, but a major reason for this change is related to our relatively poor ability to manage labor. This review attempts to cover the issues that contribute to this. Issues regarding definition, assessment and management of labor progress as well as critical times in labor will be examined. Types of partograms are discussed as well as the maternal and fetal factors that influence progress of labor. To be able to care for women in labor, it is important to be aware of limitations of management and how best to overcome these.