When spontaneous contractions fail to promote cervical dilation, what is the term for the stimulation of uterine contractions?

The correct term for the stimulation of uterine contractions when spontaneous contractions fail to promote cervical dilation is augmentation of labor. This refers to the process of enhancing or increasing the strength, frequency, or duration of contractions to facilitate progress in labor.

Augmentation is typically used when labor is already established but is not progressing adequately due to insufficient or ineffective contractions. It can involve the use of medications, such as oxytocin, or other methods to improve the contraction of the uterus. The goal of augmentation is to help ensure that the labor process continues effectively towards delivery.

Induction of labor, on the other hand, refers to the initiation of labor when it has not yet begun naturally, typically in cases where there are concerns for the health of the mother or baby. Labor stimulation is a more general term and not widely recognized in clinical practice. Encouragement of contractions is not a standard medical term and lacks specificity about the method used to enhance contractions. Therefore, augmentation of labor is the precise term that describes the situation where the uterine contractions need to be stimulated to promote cervical dilation.