Abstract
ObjectiveTo analyze outcomes after second-stage labor beyond 3 hours and determine if prolonged second stages were intentional. Study DesignRetrospective cohort analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women based on second-stage duration. Medical records were reviewed for management decisions in women with second stages 4 hours; all other outcomes were accessed via computerized obstetric database. ResultsSecond stage exceeding 3 hours occurred in 1489 (7%) of 21,991 pregnancies analyzed. Of the 427 (2%) with second stages 4 hours, 315 (74%) reached 4 hours unintentionally, after a decision for operative delivery had been made. Only 34 (8%) women were intentionally allowed to continue second-stage labor beyond 4 hours, and half of these ultimately required cesarean. Indices of maternal and neonatal morbidity were significantly increased when second stages exceeded 3 hours. ConclusionMost second stages reaching 4 hours are unintentional, occurring while awaiting an previously decided upon operative delivery. Maternal and neonatal morbidities are significantly increased with second stages beyond 3 hours.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 717-722 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | American Journal of Perinatology |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- intentional
- prolonged
- second stage labor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology