The management of labour

Normal labour is a process of spontaneous expulsion of the fetus, placenta, and membranes at term. This process is initiated by complex endocrine mechanisms that cause uterine contractions which lead to effacement and dilatation of the cervix and descent of the fetus, resulting in delivery. About 10% of women go into labour in the preterm period. The progress is dependent on uterine contractions (power), the size and presentation of the fetus (passenger), and the size of the pelvis (passage). For ease of management, the observed labour is artificially divided into three stages. The partogram is used to manage labour and is where maternal and fetal observations can be plotted in addition to cervical dilatation and descent of the presenting part. The value of active management is still debated but has been adapted in routine practice. More research is needed to decide the best management of labour to optimize the maternal and fetal outcomes.