Obstructed labour is an abnormal or difficult childbirth or labour and is very dangerous for the mother and baby. Labour is obstructed if the baby cannot be delivered normally through the birth canal without serious damage or injury to the mother or baby. Obstructed labour can sometimes be predicted during antenatal care, long before labour starts. If a woman has been in labour for 12 hours or more she should be taken to a hospital, as she may need special help or an operation to deliver. Pregnant women should ALWAYS attend antenatal care and deliver in a health unit.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation