Partograms and nomograms of cervical dilatation in management of primigravid labour

Abstract

Philpott's graphic labour has been modified and used in 15,000 labours; it has been unanimously accepted by the staff. A nomogram has been constructed to show the normal progressive dilatation of the cervix for primigravidae admitted at different stages of cervical dilatation. Retrospective evaluation of the nomogram showed that it can separate normal labour from labour destined to result in an abnormal outcome, such as longer first and second stages, a greater incidence of instrumental delivery, and babies with low Apgar scores.It is suggested that the use of a stencil representing normal labour progress, together with Philpott's partogram, will be of considerable use, both in specialist and in general-practitioner units.