Distocia

Dystocia means prolonged or more painful labor. It can caused by uterine contractions, the fetus, or the bones and tissue of the maternal pelvis, large fetus, malpositioned, or abnormal presentation.

The contraction may be hypertonic or hypotonic. Dystocia can cause maternal dehydration, infection, and fetal injury or death.

Sign and Symptoms:

• Contraction pattern is abnormal
• Abdominal pain
• Fetal distress
• Lack of progress in labor
• Maternal or fetal tachycardia

Nursing Intervention:

• Assess and monitor fetal heart rate and fetal distress
• Monitor maternal temperature and heart rate
• Monitor uterine contraction
• Assist with pelvic examination, measurement, ultrasound or other procedures
• Administer antibiotic and IV fluid as prescribed
• Monitor intake and output
• Assess for dehydration
• Monitor color of amniotic fluid
• Teach mother in breathing and relaxing techniques
• Provide good rest and comforts
• Assess for prolapse of the cord