The role of ultrasound in the aggressive management of obstructed labor secondary to fetal malformations.

Eleven cases of major congenital anomalies were diagnosed in conjunction with arrest of dilatation or descent. In three cases, the diagnosis of fetal death was made. In the remainder, despite extensive counseling, the mothers refused cesarean section for an anomalous fetus. Fetal decompression resulted in prompt vaginal delivery in 10 of 11 cases.