Failure to progress - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

“Failure to progress,” in motherhood terms, refers to a situation during childbirth where labor progression slows down or stops completely. This typically means that the dilation of the cervix, effacement, or the descent of the baby through the birth canal is not happening as expected. It is one of the most common reasons for a cesarean section.

Key Takeaways

“Failure to progress” refers to a prolonged labor condition during childbirth. This typically means the cervix isn’t opening as expected or the baby isn’t moving down the birth canal as it should.
Common interventions for “Failure to progress” can include medical interventions like membrane rupture or using medications to strengthen contractions. Surgical interventions like cesarean delivery may be considered if other methods are unsuccessful.
The reasons behind “Failure to progress” can be diverse, often involving factors such as the baby’s position, the strength of contractions, or the size of the mother’s pelvis. Detailed medical evaluation is required to determine the cause and the appropriate course of action.

Importance

The term “Failure to Progress” is crucial in the context of motherhood as it’s used to describe a situation during labor when the cervix is not dilating, or the baby is not descending into the birth canal, at the expected rate. This often signifies a need for intervention to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and the child.

It could be indicative of various reasons like a disproportion between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvis, weak uterine contractions, or an unfavorable position of the baby. The term highlights a significant aspect of the birth process, as understanding and identifying such a condition are vital in decision-making for procedures like C-sections or augmentations with medications.

It emphasizes the importance of close monitoring and capable decision-making during labor and delivery. Thus, it’s a crucial term in the specialized language of birthing and maternal care.

Explanation

Failure to progress or FTP is a term used in the medical and healthcare field, particularly in the area of obstetrics. It primarily serves as a descriptor for labor that is not proceeding as expected, in terms of efficiency and time progression.

Essentially, it’s a diagnosis used to signify a slow or stagnant labor, which can be a critical factor when it comes to considering the health and wellbeing of both the mother and the child. This term not merely encompasses the physical progress (i.e., dilation of the cervix), but also takes into account other aspects such as rupture of membranes, effective contractions, and descent of the baby.

The purpose of using the term ‘Failure to Progress’ is to provide healthcare professionals with a clear, universally understood terminology to effectively communicate situations that might necessitate interventions or changes to birth plans. It serves as a signal that labor is not progressing naturally or efficiently, and it allows for timely decision-making that potentially ensures safer outcomes for mothers and babies.

The utilization of this term can lead to active management strategies including, but not limited to, augmentation of labor, positional changes, reassessment of pain management, or even a caesarean section if deemed necessary.

Examples of Failure to progress

“Failure to progress” in motherhood typically refers to a situation where labor stalls or does not progress adequately during childbirth. Here are three real-world examples:

A first-time mother has been in labor for more than 20 hours with her cervix dilated only to 4 cm; despite regular contractions, her cervix is not dilating further. The doctor diagnoses this situation as a “failure to progress.”

In another scenario, a woman is having her second child. She has already been fully dilated at 10 cm for over 3 hours, but despite strong contractions and efforts to push, her baby isn’t descending through the birth canal.

Finally, consider a woman who enters the hospital with regular contractions, and early examination shows her cervix dilating adequately. But over time, the dilation process slows down and virtually stops, even though her contractions remain strong and regular. The medical staff may deem her labor as failing to progress.

FAQs on Failure to Progress in Motherhood

1. What is Failure to Progress?

Failure to Progress, also known as prolonged labour, is when labour lasts for approximately 20 hours or more for first-time mothers, and 14 hours or more for women who have previously given birth. This condition can lead to complications during childbirth.

2. What Causes Failure to Progress?

The causes can vary and may include complications like surprisingly large baby size, an exceptionally small birth canal, or the baby being in an incorrect position. It may also be caused by weak uterine contractions.

3. How is Failure to Progress Detected?

A healthcare provider will diagnose Failure to Progress if labour does not advance in the expected timeline. They will monitor labour progression using methods such as frequency and strength of contractions and dilation of the cervix.

4. Can Failure to Progress be Prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent Failure to Progress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy can help. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical exercise, and following all of your healthcare provider’s instructions.

5. What are the Treatments for Failure to Progress?

The treatment for Failure to progress depends on the individual situation. The procedures may include medical interventions to speed up the labour, changing the mother’s position, or a cesarean section (C-section) in some cases.

Related Motherhood Terms

Prolonged Labor
Obstructed Birth
Cesarean Section
Induction of Labor
Epidural Analgesia

Sources for More Information

Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic is a widely trusted resource for medical information, offering detailed medical statistics, symptoms, and treatments related to pregnancy complications, including ‘Failure to progress’.
WebMD: WebMD is an American corporation known for providing comprehensive health information services. It’s an excellent source to understand more about the term ‘Failure to progress’ in motherhood.
Healthline: Healthline provides medical information and health advice that are reviewed for medical correctness. A useful source to understand the implications of ‘Failure to progress’.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): ACOG provides relevant and latest medical information in the field of gynecology and obstetrics including detailed information about ‘Failure to progress’.