A Review of Obstructed Labour due to Abnormal Presentation of Foetus with Special Reference to Mudhagarbha

Child birth is very important phase in the women’s life. It is also called as rebirth of the women. Labour is said to be obstructed if the presenting part of the foetus cannot pass through the birth canal, despite of strong uterine contraction. It is more common in human than in primates, because the birth canal of woman is not straight and wide as in primates. The most common cause of obstructed labour is cephalo-pelvic disproportion i.e. mismatch between the fetal head and the mother’s pelvic brim. Neglected obstructed labour is a major cause of both maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. It was estimated to be the most disabling of all maternal conditions. In Ayurveda obstructed labour can be discussed under the Mudhagarbha. The concept of Mudhagarbha is described in various classical texts of Ayurveda. EspeciallySushruta has given the detail account of Mudhagarbha explainingits causes, types and management both conservative and surgical. This implies the depth of knowledge of ancient day gynaecologists and surgeons.