What is the term used for trouble giving birth?

The term for trouble giving birth is dystocia. This condition refers specifically to difficult or obstructed labor, which can occur in various species, including sheep. Dystocia can arise from multiple factors such as abnormal positioning of the lamb, a large birth weight, or maternal factors that complicate the birthing process. Understanding dystocia is crucial for sheep management, as timely recognition and intervention can significantly impact both the ewe's health and the survival of the lamb.

In contrast, the other terms do not accurately describe the process specifically related to birthing difficulties. Abortions refer to the premature termination of a pregnancy, while delivery complications, although related, is a broader term that does not specifically identify the type of difficulty experienced during the birthing process. Miscarriage is often used to refer to the loss of a fetus before the point of viability outside the womb, commonly in human context, which again does not pinpoint the specific troubles related to the act of giving birth itself. Thus, understanding the precise definition of dystocia is essential for effective sheep management.