Arrest of labor should be managed with C-section.

• A. True
• B. Only if there is fetal distress
• C. Not recommended
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Arrest of labor is a stall in progress, not an automatic reason to perform a cesarean. The management hinges on what is causing the stall and the current labor conditions. First, assess contractions: if they’re inadequate, the next step is to augment with oxytocin to try to restore progress. If contractions are adequate and there is true arrest, cesarean becomes more likely, but it isn’t the only option. If the baby’s condition is reassuring and the head is low with the cervix fully dilated, an instrumental vaginal delivery (forceps or vacuum) can be attempted. Only when efforts to progress fail or fetal status is nonreassuring is cesarean typically indicated.