Introduction and Causes of Abnormal Uterine Contraction

Subject: Midwifery II (Theory)

Overview

The requirements for effective uterine contractions are gradual dilatation of the cervix with a descent of the presenting part within the time limit given. Any divergence from the typical pattern of uterine contraction that affects the course of labor is referred to as disordered or aberrant uterine activity. Because the physiology of regular uterine contraction is not fully understood, the reason for aberrant uterine activity is similarly unknown. The linked reasons are old primigravida, extended pregnancy, uterine distention due to twins or polyhydramnios, psychological problems, contracted pelvis, malpresentation, and deflexed head, among others. A premature vaginal delivery or attempted instrumental vaginal delivery under mild anesthesia.

Effective uterine contractions are defined as progressive dilation of the cervix with a descent of the presenting part within the time limit indicated. Disordered or abnormal uterine action refers to any departure from the typical pattern of uterine contraction that affects the course of labor.

Causes and Etiology

Because the physiology of normal uterine contraction is unknown, the reason for aberrant uterine activity is likewise unknown. The linked causes are as follows:

Inadequate use of sedatives, analgesics, and oxytocin.
A full bladder and a loaded rectum hinder uterine contraction.
Psychological reasons include a contracted pelvis, malpresentation, and a deflexed head.
Twins or polyhydramnios cause uterine distention.
Long-term pregnancy
Pregnant elderly woman
Premature vaginal delivery or attempted vaginal delivery while under light anesthesia

References

Tuitui, Roshani, and S. N. Dr. Suwal. Manual of Midwifery II (Intrapartum Care). Bhotahity, Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Pustak Bhandar, 2014.
www.gfmer.ch/Obstetrics_simplified/abnormal_uterine_action.htm
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/251669
https://wisesteps.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/normal-and-abnormal-uterine-contractions/
http://intranet.tdmu.edu.ua/data/kafedra/internal/ginecology2/classes_stud/en/stomat/ptn/obstetrics/4%20year/03_patological%20duration%20of%20labour.htm
https://www.slideshare.net/NirsubaGurung/abnormal-uterine-contraction

Things to remember

Effective uterine contractions are defined as progressive dilation of the cervix with the descent of the presenting part within the time limit indicated.
Disordered or abnormal uterine action refers to any departure from the typical pattern of uterine contraction that affects the course of labor.
Because the physiology of normal uterine contraction is unknown, the reason for aberrant uterine activity is likewise unknown.
The linked reasons include aged primigravida, extended pregnancy, uterine distention due to twins or polyhydramnios, psychological problems, contracted pelvis, malpresentation, and deflexed head, among others.
Premature vaginal delivery attempt or attempted assisted vaginal delivery under a mild anesthetic.

Questions and Answers

Define abnormal uterine contraction?

The increasing dilation of the cervix with the descent of the presenting part within the designated time limit are the indicators of effective uterine contractions. The term "disordered or abnormal uterine activity" refers to any departure from the typical pattern of uterine contraction that affects the progression of labor.

List the causes of abnormal uterine contraction?

Causes and etiology:

The etiology of aberrant uterine activity is still unknown, in part because the physiology of normal uterine contraction is not well understood. The linked causes are as follows:

Aging primigravida.
Long-term pregnancy.
Due to twins or polyhydramnios, the uterus has become too distended.
Psychiatric variables.
Deflexed head, malpresentation, and contracted pelvis.
Reflexively, a loaded rectum and a full bladder prevent uterine contraction.
Oxytocin, analgesics, and sedatives are administered carelessly.