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2025 ICD-10-CM code O64

Obstructed labor due to malposition and malpresentation of fetus.

The code O64 should only be used on the maternal record, never on the newborn record. Use additional code from category Z3A, weeks of gestation, to identify the specific week of pregnancy, if known. Excludes1: Supervision of normal pregnancy (Z34.-); Excludes2: mental and behavioral disorders associated with the puerperium (F53.-), obstetrical tetanus (A34), postpartum necrosis of pituitary gland (E23.0), puerperal osteomalacia (M83.0)

Obstructed labor can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications, such as uterine rupture, fetal distress, and postpartum hemorrhage. Medical necessity for interventions such as cesarean delivery or assisted vaginal delivery needs to be documented clearly.

Diagnosis of obstructed labor is generally the responsibility of the obstetrician or other healthcare provider managing the labor and delivery.

In simple words: Difficult childbirth because the baby isn't positioned correctly for birth.

Obstructed labor occurs when the baby is positioned in a way that prevents it from moving through the birth canal. This includes babies in a breech (feet-first) or transverse (sideways) position, as well as those in unusual head-first positions like face or brow presentations.

Example 1: A pregnant woman at term presents in labor. Upon examination, it is discovered that the fetus is in a breech presentation and the cervix is not dilating, despite regular contractions. This is diagnosed as obstructed labor., A pregnant woman's water breaks, but after several hours of regular contractions, there is no progress. An ultrasound reveals the fetus is in a transverse lie. This is diagnosed as obstructed labor., A pregnant woman in labor begins experiencing strong, frequent contractions.Examination reveals the fetus is in a face presentation and the head is unable to descend into the pelvis. This is diagnosed as obstructed labor.

Documentation should include the fetal presentation and position, the progress of labor (including cervical dilation and effacement, fetal station, and contraction pattern), and any other relevant clinical findings that contributed to the diagnosis of obstructed labor.

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