Background:Obstructed labour is the condition that results from failure of descent of the fetal presenting part in the birth canal for mechanical reasons inspite of good uterine contractions. It remains an important cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted over a period of one and a half years in which 120 cases of obstructed labour were evaluated after applying preselected inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history including that of sociodemographic profile, medical history and obstetric history was taken from every patient. Maternal outcome in the form of mode of delivery and complications was noted. Fetal condition was also evaluated. Results:The study revealed that obstructed labour was common in illiterate women mostly from rural areas (87.5%) of low socioeconomic status (88.4%). Majority were primigravidas (49.2%) with mean age 30.5+3.29 . Most cases were due to cephalopelvic disproportion (62.5%). Majority were delivered by caesarean section(87.5%).The most common complication was abdominal distension(51.7%) followed by postpartum hemorrhage(37.5%).There was no maternal death. There were 108 live births(90%) out of which 8 (7.4%) died in neonatal period. Obstructed labour was a significant cause of low apgar scores at 5 minutes of birth(34.2%). Conclusion: Obstructed labour is still a great contributor of maternal and perinatal mortality in developing world. Sociodemographic and health facility factors were strongly associated with the outcome. Our aim should be universal and inexpensive good obstetric care to avoid it and prompt diagnosis and timely intervention in established cases to improve the outcome.

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Background: Several methods have been developed for labour analgesia out of which use of intramuscular analgesia is emerging as a good choice. Objective: To study the role of intramuscular tramadol in labour analgesia. Materials and methods: In this study 100 pregnant women over a period of one year , with preselected inclusion and exclusion criteria were studied , during active stage of labour. Degree of pain relief , mode of delivery and maternal and perinatal outcome , after administration of intramuscular tramadol , was noted. Results: Mean age of patients in the study was 26.5 4.63 years. 58% had moderate pain , 16% mild pain and 26 % had no pain after the drug was administered.78% delivered by normal vaginal delivery ,12% by caesarean section and 10% by instrumental delivery. Nausea and vomiting was most frequent (22%) maternal side effect of tramadol. Mean apgar score at 5 minutes of birth was 7.2 0.98 Conclusion: Intramuscular tramadol is a significant pain reliever during labour with minimal side effects.

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common cause of perinatal viral infection. congenital CMV infection can produce varying degrees of neurodevelopmental disabilities. Aims and objectives were to study the fetomaternal outcome in CMV-Specific IgM antibodies.Methods: The study was prospective for a period of one and a half year. Hundred high risk patients with hundred controls were screened for CMV serology IgM. Maternal & fetal outcomes were noted.Results: Out of 100 cases in study group 27(27%) were positive for CMV IgM while in control group 6(6%) were positive(p<0.05). Primary CMV infection in mothers led to abortion in 2(7.4%) patients, pre-term labour in 5(18.5%), Postpartum hemorrhage in 6 (22.2%), fetal distress in 11(40.7%) while 37% had uneventful outcome. Among CMV positive cases 48.1% were born term live, 6(22.2%) were preterm, 1(3.7%) had IUD, Intrauterine growth restriction in 10 (37%), 6(22.2%) with congenital defect and 4(14.8%) with neonatal manifestations.Conclusions: CMV remains a significant public health concern. Education of young women in our community regarding hygienic and behavioral approaches that can help prevent CMV transmission is mandatory.