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Labour and its abnormalities

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Labour can be somewhat coldly described as process by which the products of conception are expelled from the mother. Natural labour can be thought of as having three components: power, passages, and passengers.

  • power:
    • primary involves uterine contractions
    • secondary involves voluntary muscles of the
    • diaphragm and abdominal walls

  • passages:
    • bony: pelvic bone (see "pelvimetry")
    • soft: uterus, vagina, vulva, supporting tissues

  • passengers: the fetus (see "presentation"), placenta and membranes

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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