Dystocia: is there a gene for that?

On every birth professional's reading list should be Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta's updated and 3rd edition of The Labor Progress Handbook.

This new edition comes with even more information on the simplicity of birth, and common sense non-invasive methods to prevent or facilitate dystocia. Heavily referenced (new references have been added and others have been updated), this edition is a must have for childbirth educators who practice in the community or in a hospital setting!  Retaining the hallmark features of previous editions and meeting the needs of all types of learners, this book uses charts and  illustrations showing position, movements, and techniques and is logically organized to facilitate ease of use.  Two new chapters are included in this 3^rd edition and include research based information on third and fourth stage labor facilitation, including low-technology interventions, a complete analysis of directed versus spontaneous pushing, and additional information on massage techniques. Information on delayed cord clamping, the Gaskin Maneuver and so much more.

And new research indicates that dystocia may be in a woman's genes.

In a new study just published (Indentification of a Myometrial Molecular Profile for Dystocic Labor BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 2011 11:74), researchers Brennan et al suggest an underlying molecular basis for dystocia in nulliparous women in spontaneous labor.  Myometrial biopsies were obtained from the upper incisional margins of nulliparous women undergoing lower segment cesareans for dystocia.  These women were in spontaneous (non-induced) labor but had received intrapartum oxytocin to accelerate labor.

This new finding suggest an important role for the immune response in dystocic labor and could provide indicators for new diagnosis and therapies for helping with dystocia.

In light of this new study, we need to be as prepared as possible to assist women with any event that needs assistance during labor and birth.  The Labor Progress Handbook is one important tool to have!