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Established labour — DRCOG MCQ

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EasyLabourEstablished labourDRCOG

A 30-year-old woman at 40 weeks has regular painful contractions every 3 minutes. On examination in the maternity unit, the cervix is 5 cm dilated and fully effaced. The presenting part is cephalic. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Established first stage of labour

Regular painful contractions with progressive cervical dilatation around 4 cm or more are consistent with established first-stage labour. Second stage requires full cervical dilatation. Braxton Hicks contractions do not usually cause progressive cervical change. Preterm labour is not applicable at 40 weeks.

Reference: NICE NG235