Obstructed labor in Ibadan

Over a period of 13 years, 380 cases of obstructed labor were managed amongst 39 456 deliveries. Absent prenatal care and poor intrapartum care at peripheral hospitals were major contributing factors. The average duration of labor in those with obstruction was three times that in the normal obstetric population. About 82% of patients with obstruction had an emergency cesarean section while 10% had destructive operations. The main etiological factor was unrecognised positional disproportion. Common associated complications were ruptured uterus, genital and wound sepsis. Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality were high. Adequate health education, incorporation of traditional birth attendants into health care programs and the provision of more health care centers will reduce the occurrence of this complication.