Cessation of labor is a sign of which obstetric emergency?

• A. Uterine rupture
• B. Ectopic pregnancy
• C. Placental abruption
• D. Preeclampsia

Answer: (A)

Cessation of labor during active labor points most strongly to uterine rupture. When a rupture occurs, the uterine wall tears and the uterus can no longer generate coordinated contractions, causing labor to stop progressing. This is an emergency because it can lead to massive maternal hemorrhage and fetal distress or death. Look for accompanying signs such as sudden severe abdominal pain, changes or loss of fetal heart tones, vaginal bleeding, and signs of maternal instability. Risk factors include a prior cesarean or other uterine surgery, which weakens the scarred uterine tissue and raises the chance of rupture. Other obstetric emergencies may cause pain, bleeding, or hypertension, but they do not typically present with a sudden cessation of contractions during active labor.