Uterine hyperstimulation
Encyclopedia
Uterine hyperstimulation or hypertonic uterine dysfunction is a potential complication
of labor induction
. It is defined as either a series of single contractions lasting 2 minutes or more or a contraction frequency of five or more in 10 minutes. Uterine hyperstimulation may result in fetal heart rate abnormalities
, uterine rupture
, or placental abruption
. It is usually treated by administering terbutaline
.
Complication (medicine)
Complication, in medicine, is an unfavorable evolution of a disease, a health condition or a medical treatment. The disease can become worse in its severity or show a higher number of signs, symptoms or new pathological changes, become widespread throughout the body or affect other organ systems. A...
of labor induction
Induction (birth)
Labor induction is a method of artificially or prematurely stimulating childbirth in a woman.-Indications:Common suggested reasons for induction include:* Postterm pregnancy, i.e. if the pregnancy has gone past the 42 week mark....
. It is defined as either a series of single contractions lasting 2 minutes or more or a contraction frequency of five or more in 10 minutes. Uterine hyperstimulation may result in fetal heart rate abnormalities
Fetal distress
In medicine , the term fetal distress refers to the presence of signs in a pregnant woman—before or during childbirth—that suggest that the fetus may not be well...
, uterine rupture
Uterine rupture
Uterine rupture is a potentially catastrophic event during childbirth by which the integrity of the myometrial wall is breached. In an incomplete rupture the peritoneum is still intact. With a complete rupture the contents of the uterus may spill into the peritoneal cavity or the broad ligament...
, or placental abruption
Placental abruption
Placental abruption is a complication of pregnancy, wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother. It is the most common pathological cause of late pregnancy bleeding. In humans, it refers to the abnormal separation after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to birth...
. It is usually treated by administering terbutaline
Terbutaline
Terbutaline is a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist.Terbutaline is currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited drugs for Olympic athletes, except when administered by inhalation and a Therapeutic Use Exemption has been obtained in advance.Terbutaline is currently used to delay...
.