9 Complications During Labor and Delivery
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If you are having a baby, congratulations! But know that pregnancy may not always be a smooth ride as you had hoped it would. The term ‘complication’ is enough to make any pregnant woman nervous. But a little information about the possible complications might help you deal with it better. Here, we bring to you 9 complications during labor and delivery:
1. Prolonged Labor
There are cases where the labor lasts for 20 hours and beyond if you are a first-time mom. Such cases of long labor are referred to as failure to progress (prolonged labor). For second or third-time moms, a labor of 14 hours or more can be termed as prolonged labor. Though it rarely causes any complications, it can be an emotionally draining experience for mothers (1).
2. When Your Baby Is Not In The Right Position
Your baby might not be in the correct position for a vaginal delivery. They will be facing upward, lying horizontally, or in a breech position (2). If they are not able to change the position, your doctor may opt for a cesarian delivery in such cases.
3. Umbilical Cord Accidents
The umbilical cord which connects the baby to the placenta might be wrapped around the baby or get compressed. During delivery, the umbilical cord may also pass out before the baby which requires medical assistance.
4. Your Uterus May Rupture
If you had previously undergone a C-section, there is a slight chance for the scar to open during your subsequent labor. Uterine rupture can deprive your baby of getting enough oxygen. In such cases, a C-section might be performed. There is also the risk of excessive bleeding for the mother. Other possible risk factors of uterine rupture include labor induction, baby’s size, maternal age of 35 or more, etc.
5. Non-Reassuring Fetal Status
Also known as fetal distress, it is a state where the fetus doesn’t seem to do well. The possible causes and conditions for fetal distress may include low levels of oxygen if the mother is anemic, gestational hypertension if meconium has leaked into the amniotic sac, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR).
6. When Your Placenta Gives You Trouble
Your placenta may cover your cervix fully or partially, known as placenta previa. During labor, as your cervix begins to dilate, the placenta may get detached from the uterine wall. It can occur in women during the third trimester of their pregnancies. The possible risk factors include being pregnant with multiple kids and surgery on the uterus. The most common symptom of this condition is experiencing painless bleeding during the 3rd trimester. If diagnosed, the doctor may closely monitor the pregnancy or in some cases go for an early C-section (3).
7. Rapid Labor
Rapid labor lasts for about 3 to 5 hours. You would think that rapid labor would be an easy one. But it can lead to more tearing and laceration of the cervix, excessive bleeding from the uterus or vaginal opening, and shock following childbirth which may take more time to recover from. It can also lead to giving birth in an unsterilized place such as a car as there may not be enough time to reach a hospital. This increases the risk of infection for the baby (4).
8. Amniotic Fluid Embolism
An amniotic fluid embolism occurs when the fluid from the amniotic sac or fetal material enters the bloodstream of the mother. It’s most likely to happen during childbirth but can also occur soon after birth. It needs to be treated immediately to avoid potentially fatal complications. Signs and symptoms include difficulty in breathing, blood pressure dropping rapidly, blood clotting, anxiety, seizures, etc (5).
9. Cephalopelvic disproportion
It occurs when the baby’s body or head is too large to pass through the pelvis of the mother. This condition can lead to prolonged labor in some cases. If diagnosed, the safest option is to go for a cesarian delivery. Possible causes include diabetes, small or abnormally shaped pelvis, abnormal position of the fetus, postmaturity, and multiparity (6).
Knowing about the possible complications during labor will help you remain calm and cope with the situation better if at all it happens. The best thing you can do is eat healthy and show up on all your doctor’s appointments. So, even if a complication does arise, both you and your baby will be able to come out of it safely.
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