Obstructed labor – current scenario in a developing country.

Introduction:Obstructed labor with high maternal morbidity and mortality is still prevalent in the developing world. It is a preventable condition and can be overcome if proper steps are taken at appropriate levels and at appropriate time.Objective: To study the present burden of obstructed labor in a tertiary care Centre in a developing country, its causes and outcome.Materials and methods:Six months prospective study was carried out in Government Lalla Ded Hospital from July 2009 to December 2009. There were 117 cases of obstructed labor amongst a total number of 10862 births during this period in LD hospital. All patients admitted with obstructed labor were included in the study and the outcome of their pregnancy, mode of delivery and complications if any were noted. Results:117 patients of obstructed labor were admitted. CPD was the commonest cause of obstruction (87.18%). Most of the women affected were primigravida within the age group of 25 – 30 years. Most of them were delivered by Cesarean Section. There was no maternal mortality, though there were some procedure related complications. Fetal mortality was high (25.64%).Conclusion:Obstructed labor is a preventable condition prevalent in the developing world only. Improving nutrition, antenatal attendance with proper utilization and standard of services will help overcome this condition.