Arrest of labor management: which statement is true?

• A. It is true that arrest of labor should be managed initially with oxytocin and prostaglandins for cervical ripening.
• B. It is false that arrest of labor should be managed initially with oxytocin and prostaglandins for cervical ripening.
• C. It should always be managed with cesarean.
• D. It should be managed with bed rest.

Answer: (B)

Arrest of labor is treated first by augmenting contractions with oxytocin to improve progression, after confirming there’s no obstruction and that maternal-fetal conditions allow it. Prostaglandins for cervical ripening are used when induction is planned and the cervix is unfavorable, not as the initial step in managing arrest of labor. If augmentation fails to restore progress, cesarean delivery may be considered. Bed rest is not a standard management step. So saying you should start with cervical ripening agents is not correct; the initial move is oxytocin augmentation.