A woman undergoes a cesarean section for failure to progress. The Pfannenstiel incision and lower uterine segment transverse (LUST) incision are used. Which of the following is the MOST common indication for cesarean section in developed countries?

• A Placenta previa
• B Fetal malpresentation
• C Fetal distress (non-reassuring CTG)
• D Arrest of labor (dystocia) ✓

Explanation

Arrest disorders of labor, collectively termed dystocia, are the most common primary indication for cesarean delivery in nulliparous women, accounting for approximately one-third of all cesarean births in developed countries. This category includes failure to progress in the active phase and failure of descent in the second stage. Reducing the primary cesarean rate for dystocia is a major public health priority, as a prior cesarean predisposes to uterine scar complications in subsequent pregnancies.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.