Am J Perinatol 2012; 29(09): 717-722
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1314894
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

An Analysis of Second-Stage Labor beyond 3 Hours in Nulliparous Women

April T. Bleich
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
James M. Alexander
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
Donald D. McIntire
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
Kenneth J. Leveno
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

18 January 2012

13 February 2012

Publication Date:
29 May 2012 (online)

Abstract

Objective To analyze outcomes after second-stage labor beyond 3 hours and determine if prolonged second stages were intentional.

Study Design Retrospective cohort analysis of maternal and neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women based on second-stage duration. Medical records were reviewed for management decisions in women with second stages ≥4 hours; all other outcomes were accessed via computerized obstetric database.

Results Second stage exceeding 3 hours occurred in 1489 (7%) of 21,991 pregnancies analyzed. Of the 427 (2%) with second stages ≥4 hours, 315 (74%) reached 4 hours unintentionally, after a decision for operative delivery had been made. Only 34 (8%) women were intentionally allowed to continue second-stage labor beyond 4 hours, and half of these ultimately required cesarean. Indices of maternal and neonatal morbidity were significantly increased when second stages exceeded 3 hours.

Conclusion Most second stages reaching 4 hours are unintentional, occurring while awaiting an previously decided upon operative delivery. Maternal and neonatal morbidities are significantly increased with second stages beyond 3 hours.

 
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