Which of the following terms is defined as "difficult birth"?

Which of the following terms is defined as "difficult birth"?

• A. Metritis
• B. Dystocia
• C. Parturition
• D. Dysphagia

Answer: (B)

Dystocia is the term for difficult birth. It happens when labor doesn’t progress normally, due to issues with the mother, the fetus, or the birth canal—such as strong contractions with no progress, abnormal fetal position, or a pelvis that’s too small. Because prolonged or obstructed labor can harm both the dam and the fetus, dystocia often requires intervention, from assisted delivery to cesarean section, depending on the cause and species. Metritis is an infection of the uterus after birth, parturition is the birth process itself, and dysphagia means trouble swallowing; none describe the challenge of delivering a baby.

Dystocia is the term for difficult birth. It happens when labor doesn’t progress normally, due to issues with the mother, the fetus, or the birth canal—such as strong contractions with no progress, abnormal fetal position, or a pelvis that’s too small. Because prolonged or obstructed labor can harm both the dam and the fetus, dystocia often requires intervention, from assisted delivery to cesarean section, depending on the cause and species. Metritis is an infection of the uterus after birth, parturition is the birth process itself, and dysphagia means trouble swallowing; none describe the challenge of delivering a baby.