Asynclitism--a cause of prolonged labour in African multiparae

A series of five cases of prolonged labour in African multiparae is presented. The diagnosis of asynclitism, i.e. anterior parietal presentation, and its correction with a ventouse resulted in vaginal deliveries, thus avoiding primary caesarean sections. The mechanisms of asynclitism and its implications as a common cause of prolonged labour (5 out of 9 cases) are discussed. Increased awareness of asynclitism, and its correction as described, could significantly decrease the primary caesarean section rate in African multiparae with prolonged labour.