CERVICOGRAPHS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOUR IN PRIMIGRAVIDAE

II. The Action Line and Treatment of Abnormal Labour

Summary

The application of an Action Line drawn four hours to the right of the Alert Line on the cervicograph of Rhodesian African primigravidae, with an active form of management for those whose cervicograph crossed the Action Line, has efficiently differentiated patients requiring Caesarean section for cephalopelvic disproportion or incorrectable inefficient uterine action from those who can be safely delivered vaginally. The regime outlined in this paper has reduced the Caesarean section rate, the incidence of prolonged labour and the perinatal mortality rate.