obstetrics Obstetrics is the field of study concentrated on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. As a medical specialty, obstetrics is combined with gynecology under the discipline known as obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), which is a surgi ...

a trial of labour is the conduction of spontaneous labour in a moderate degree of cephalopelvic disproportion. It is performed under close observation by an obstetrician in order to assess a woman's chances of a successful vaginal birth. The physician may allow labor to continue against contraindications during birth or even stimulate labor with

oxytocin Oxytocin (Oxt or OT) is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It plays a role in social bonding, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth. Oxytocin ...

when pelvic measurements are borderline to see if the fetal head will descend making vaginal delivery possible; if progressive changes in dilation and station do not occur, a cesarean delivery is performed.

References

{{Human-repro-stub Female genital procedures