Unusual cause of unresponsiveness during the second stage of labor.

This case report illustrates an unusual occurrence during the second stage of labor. After appropriate evaluation for life-threatening causes, a psychiatric process must be considered. Although our patient refused further psychological evaluation, we believe that she exhibited a trancelike state during the second stage of labor and suffered from amnesia in which one awakens to the current situation. It is known that certain individuals are predisposed to dissociate in response to stress. According to our patient's history, she seems to fall into this category. Although those involved in obstetric care must remain alert to the possibility of catastrophic events intrapartum, we must also remember to consider unusual psychiatric processes.