The Partograph in Childbirth: An Absolute Essentiality or a Mere Exercise?

WHO has recommended use of the partograph, a low-tech paper form that has been hailed as an effective tool for the early detection of maternal and fetal complications during childbirth. Yet despite decades of training and investment, implementation rates and capacity to correctly use the partograph remain low in resource-limited settings. Nevertheless, competent use of the partograph, especially using newer technologies, can save maternal and fetal lives by ensuring that labor is closely monitored and that life-threatening complications such as obstructed labor are identified and treated. To address the challenges for using partograph among health workers, health-care systems must establish an environment that supports its correct use. Health-care staff should be updated by providing training and asking them about the difficulties faced at their health center. Then only the real potential of this wonderful tool will be maximally utilized.