What should be checked for in the case of prolonged labor?

In the case of prolonged labor, it is essential to monitor various parameters to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Checking for ketones in the urine is particularly important during prolonged labor because it can indicate the mother’s nutritional status and hydration level. If the mother is not able to eat or drink adequately during a long labor, her body may start to break down fat for energy, leading to the presence of ketones in the urine.

While other factors like preeclampsia, fetal heart rate, and fluid retention are also critical aspects of maternal and fetal health, they are not as directly associated with the immediate assessment during prolonged labor as checking for ketones. Monitoring fetal heart rate is crucial, but specifically for prolonged labor, identifying metabolic changes in the mother is a key concern, making the assessment of ketones particularly significant.