Dystocic childbirth: what it is, meaning and what it entails

Dystocic birth is the term used to indicate a complicated birth. Let's find out what it is and everything that is important to know about it.

When we speak of dystocic birth, we mean a birth that is different from the physiological one (also called eutocic) since it includes complications. Its being difficult can lead to real obstetric emergencies , which is why it is essential that it is recognized as soon as possible in order to implement the right techniques.
But what exactly does dystocia mean? Here's everything you need to know.

Dystochoic delivery: meaning

Let's start by saying that, in medicine, there are two types of parts.
The first is the physiological or eutocic birth which is also called natural and which, therefore, does not require any type of intervention to take effect.
The second is dystocytic delivery or non-physiological delivery . In this case, the birth presents complications that require pharmacological or physiological intervention.

The term dystocia, in fact, indicates an abnormal labor or with difficulties that are usually caused by anomalies of the genital system or by problems that arose during pregnancy or, in rarer cases, during childbirth. Going to the reasons behind the dystocic birth, these can be dynamic (ie caused by a problem in the uterine capacity) and mechanical (when the baby is badly positioned or is too large compared to the pelvis or other organs).

How to remedy a dystocic birth

Regardless of its nature, a dystocic birth inevitably requires medical intervention.
This can be performed in different ways ranging from the administration of oxytocin (useful for stimulating the contraction of the uterus), to the rupture of the amniotic membranes.

In some cases, midwives can also help by making it easier to change positions , donate hydration to the mother, and provide pain relievers. In more serious cases it may be necessary to move the baby to allow him to go out, use the suction cup (full of contraindications) or immediately provide for a caesarean section which can take place under local or total anesthesia.

In any case, what remains unchanged is the medical intervention which must be as timely as possible and aimed at solving the problem and all in order not to endanger the life of mother and child.

The importance of ultrasound in the delivery room

More and more studies show that the use of ultrasound in the delivery room can make a difference in the prevention of dystocia. His presence in the delivery room is in fact able to obtain an immediate diagnosis. With intrapartum ultrasound it is in fact possible to immediately obtain a concrete vision of the position of the child, of the rotation of the head and of the birth canal. A simpler and clearer way to carry on labor without the risk of complications which, showing up in time, can be resolved more quickly and less invasively.

Topic that was recently discussed at the Eutylia Academy where the outcome was to hope for an increase of this diagnostic tool so precious right in the final moment of pregnancy .