Failure to progress in the second stage of labour

Spontaneous vaginal delivery without obstetric intervention remains the goal for most pregnant women. Midwives and obstetricians aim to support women in achieving this result, which is associated with the lowest risk of morbidity for both mother and baby. Despite the best efforts of the labouring woman and her carers, some women will fail to progress in the second stage of labour, and obstetric intervention will be required. This review evaluates recent data addressing the diagnosis, aetiology and management of failure to progress in the second stage of labour, and explores aspects of maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with this event.