During active phase of labor, a primigravida's cervix fails to dilate beyond 6 cm despite 4 hours of adequate uterine contractions (>200 Montevideo units) with ruptured membranes. This is best classified as:

• A Latent phase prolongation
• B Active phase arrest
• C Secondary arrest of dilation ✓
• D Protraction disorder of active phase

Explanation

Secondary arrest of dilation refers to cessation of cervical progress after the active phase has been established (≥6 cm in modern partographic definitions). The criterion for diagnosis is no change in cervical dilation for ≥4 hours with adequate contractions (>200 MVU) or ≥6 hours if contractions are inadequate. This is distinct from protraction, which is slow but ongoing progress.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.