"Labor dystocia, dysfunctional labor, failure to progress, arrest of labor, arrested descent- all these terms refer to slow or no progress in labor, which is one of the most vexing, complex, and unpredictable complications of labor. Labor dystocia is the most common medical indication for primary cesarean sections (Neal et al., 2015). Some have suggested that the use of the term "dystocia" be abandoned in favor of more precise definitions since one clear explanation is lacking (Neal et al., 2015). The modern course of labor is very different than in the past, and optimal strategies to reduce unnecessary interventions while providing interventions when needed and appropriate are still under investigation (Myers et al., 2020). Dystocia also contributes indirectly to the number of repeat cesareans, especially in countries where rates of vaginal births after previous cesareans (VBAC) are low. Thus, preventing primary cesareans for dystocia decreases the total number of cesareans. The prevention of dystocia also reduces the need for many other costly, time-intensive, and possibly risky interventions, and spares the laboring person from discouragement and disappointment that often accompany a prolonged or complicated birth (ACOG, 2019)"-- Provided by publisher.
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