Intrauterine pressure wave form characteristics of successful and failed first stage labor.

A retrospective study was designed to contrast the intrauterine pressure wave form characteristics of hypocontractile labor in patients with and without obstruction and before and after oxytocin therapy. No differences were observed between the patient groups (vaginal delivery vs. cesarean section), either before or after oxytocin. Problems in defining adequate contractility in patients with possible obstructed labors are discussed, and new parameters of potential value are identified.