dystocia

/ dɪsˈtəʊʃə /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• dysˈtocial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dystocia¹

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

Example Sentences

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

But her baby became stuck in the birth canal most likely because of shoulder dystocia, when a baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the pubic bone, according to the family.

From BBC

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

From Slate

The baby was not able to be delivered vaginally due to shoulder dystocia, where the baby's shoulders become stuck in the birth canal.

From BBC

She had developed a complication known as shoulder dystocia.

From BBC