title: Early detection of abnormal labor using the Friedman labor graph.
abstract: Early recognition and appropriate management of abnormal labor can reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity and lower the cesarean section rate. A simple labor graph devised over 25 years ago and later modified makes labor abnormalities easy to detect; the two main divisions of labor, the latent and active phases, are easily recognized. A prolonged latent phase has no serious effects on mother or fetus, but protraction and arrest disorders of the active phase--eg, protracted cervical dilatation, arrest or failure of descent of the presenting part--may have a deleterious effect. Common causes of a prolonged latent phase include false labor and inappropriate use of analgesia and anesthesia. Fetopelvic disproportion and fetal malposition are common causes of disorders of the active phase.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005323:Fetal Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007745:Labor Onset; D007747:Labor Stage, First; D007748:Labor Stage, Second; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D014590:Uterine Contraction; D014593:Uterine Inertia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology