Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Background: Obstructed labour is one of the major cause of maternal mortality in Bangladesh. It is also responsible for high rate of maternal and fetal morbidity. If we can identify the socio-demographic picture of obstructed labour in our country it may be helpful to find out the way to prevent this. 
Objective: To evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of those women who are victims of obstructed labour. 
Materials and Method: It was a prospective observations study conducted in 200 Bed Hospital, Narayangonj during the period of from July 2010 to December 2010. Consecutive 100 cases of obstructed labour were selected for this study. Data were analyzed in statistical package for social science (SPSS) for windows version 14. 
Results: This study revealed that more vulnerable age group for obstructed labour was 20-25 years in 48% and 9% of study population were within teenage group. Majority patients (74%) came from low socioeconomic class. Educational status of the patient was very low, 28% were illiterate and 42% were primary level of education. Majority (71%) of the patients were housewife. In 83% cases causes delay in seeking care were economic constraints. The obstetric causes of obstructed labour were cephalo pelvic disproportion in 38% cases, persistent occipitoposterior position in 30% cases and deep transverse arrest in 22% cases. Twenty one percent had regular antenatal checkup, 26% had irregular antenatal checkup and 53% had no antenatal checkup. 
Conclusion: The social causes associated with obstructed labour are poor socio-economic status, lack of education and unable to utilize health facility. Improving nutrition, regular antenatal visit, proper utilization of health services and standard of service will help overcome this condition.