Tips on Recognizing Emotional Dystocia During Labor

Most pregnant women wish for a normal childbirth but a condition known as emotional dystocia may come in the way and lead to a stalled or a very long labor that may result in a cesarean. Actually emotional dystocia is the clinical term used to describe any kind of emotional or psychological stress experienced by pregnant women during labor and causing prolonged or stalled labor. If left unaddressed it may lead to a rise in the catecholamines levels in the body of the women going through labor.

The presence of excess catecholamines in the woman's body will cause a reduction in the circulation to the uterus and the placenta. This reduction in circulation may result in ineffective contractions that are necessary for normal delivery of the baby to take place. This usually leads to an unavoidable caesarean section. A ceasarean is not only expensive it may also put the mother and child in some danger. Also the post natal recovery is unnecessarily prolonged. In the light of the above facts it is necessary for the caregivers to know how to recognize emotional dystocia in labor and address it properly.

There are some emotional and behavioral symptoms that will help in recognizing emotional dystocia. It is not necessary that all the symptoms should be present. Any one or more of the symptoms may cause trouble during labor. The most obvious and easily recognized symptoms are of course anxiety and fear. Although a little of it may be present but excessive fear and anxiety are surely indicative of emotional dystocia. The woman may say that she is scared, there may be panic in her eyes or demeanor, or she may use words like "don't", "can't", "won't" or " I am losing control". A fearful or anxious woman going through the process of labor will openly express her fears and anxieties.

She will overreact to even minor contractions. Experienced caregivers can easily make out that the woman experiencing emotional dystocia is reacting negatively and strongly to very mild pains brought on by labor contractions. She is unable to emotionally deal with the pain in a balanced manner. She will want to know about everything that is happening, look at the monitor anxiously and feel that things are not registering properly in the monitor. Rather than pay attention to her body feelings her focus will be more on everything going on around her, which is caused by fear and anxiety.

Someone experiencing emotional dystocia during labor can get out of control. She may start to holler, scream, throw things and be immune to the suggestions being given to her. This can seriously interfere in the natural labor process and require medical intervention. Some women may try to control the actions of the caregivers and become aggressive if they feel that their directions are not being followed. Many of the symptoms of emotional dystocia may arise from childhood sexual abuse. Women experiencing emotional dystocia will need to be reassured about their safety and that what they are going through is normal and it is soon going to be over.