dystocia

British  

/ dɪsˈtəʊʃə /

noun

1. med abnormal, slow, or difficult childbirth, usually because of disordered or ineffective contractions of the uterus

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dystocial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dystocia

New Latin, from Greek, from dus- (see _dys- ) + tokos childbirth + _-ia

Example Sentences

Shoulder dystocia occurs in 1 in 150 vaginal deliveries, delaying birth and leading to possible complications, including a stretching in the nerves of the infant's neck.

From BBC • May 7, 2025

She said observations included dead or stillborn pups, aborted fetuses, malnourished pups, and adult females with dystocia — difficult births — who are also thin.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2024

Studies have shown that AMA is associated with abnormally prolonged labor, or labor dystocia, which puts the baby and mother at risk.

From Slate • Nov. 26, 2023

Bosworth, whose mother Jeana Keough appeared on "Real Housewives of Orange County," was giving birth to McCoy Casey when he died due to “shoulder dystocia and a compressed umbilical cord.”

From Fox News • Apr. 27, 2020

Paralysis of the obturator nerve or nerves is met with rather frequently, notwithstanding, in mares, following dystocia.

From Lameness of the Horse Veterinary Practitioners' Series, No. 1 by Lacroix, John Victor