Update on uterine tachysystole

Sebastian Rupert Hobson1,2, Merihan Zarif Abdelmalek1,2, Dan Farine1,2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Uterine tachysystole (TS) is a potentially significant intrapartum complication seen most commonly in induced or augmented labors but may also occur in women with spontaneous labor. When it occurs, maternal and perinatal complications can arise if not identified and managed promptly by obstetric care providers. Over recent years, new definitions of the condition have facilitated further research into the field, which has been synthesized to inform clinical management guidelines and protocols. We propose a set of recommendations pertaining to TS in line with contemporary evidence and obstetric practice.