Obstructed labour at General Hospital Aliero, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Obstructed Labour is a leading cause of operative delivery, maternal and perinatal morbidity, and mortality in developing countries including Nigeria.

Aim: To review obstructed labour and its consequences in a district general hospital.

Method: A 2-year retrospective study of patients with obstructed labour. Results: During the period of study, 75 patients presented with obstructed labour and were delivered operatively with 3 maternal and 9 perinatal mortality.

Conclusion: Health education of the populace on the importance of antenatal care, improvements in the socio-economic conditions, female education, and training of Traditional Birth Attendants, proper supervision during labour and provision of adequate and accessible health care facilities with proper referral are important in preventing and reducing the incidence and complications of obstructed labour.