According to contemporary ACOG criteria, what is the threshold for diagnosing prolonged second stage of labour in a nulliparous woman labouring WITH epidural analgesia?
- A 2 hours
- B 3 hours
- C 4 hours ✓
- D 5 hours
Correct answer: C. 4 hours
Explanation
The redefined ACOG limits are 3 hours for a nullipara without epidural and 4 hours with epidural; for a multipara the limits are 2 hours without and 3 hours with epidural. Epidural analgesia slows descent and rotation, so one extra hour is allowed. Option B applies to a nullipara without regional anaesthesia, and option A applies to a multipara without one, so both fail for this scenario.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.