title: Asynclitism--a cause of prolonged labour in African multiparae.
abstract: A series of five cases of prolonged labour in African multiparae is presented. The diagnosis of asynclitism, i.e. anterior parietal presentation, and its correction with a ventouse resulted in vaginal deliveries, thus avoiding primary caesarean sections. The mechanisms of asynclitism and its implications as a common cause of prolonged labour (5 out of 9 cases) are discussed. Increased awareness of asynclitism, and its correction as described, could significantly decrease the primary caesarean section rate in African multiparae with prolonged labour.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Blayney
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007746:Labor Presentation; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D013636:Tanzania; D013997:Time Factors; D014710:Version, Fetal