gynecology and obstetrics
Protracted Labor
Diagnosis
Assessment of pelvic dimensions, fetal size and position, and uterine contractions Often response to treatment Diagnosis of protracted labor is clinical. The cause must be identified because it determines treatment. Assessing fetal and pelvic dimensions and fetal position (part of a Physical Examination ) can sometimes determine whether the cause is fetopelvic disproportion. For example, fetal weight Uterine dysfunction is diagnosed by evaluating the strength and frequency of contractions via palpation of the uterus or use of an intrauterine pressure catheter. Diagnosis is often based on response to treatment. 