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5 Most Common Labor Complications

5 Most Common Labor Complications

Even though you might have had a normal pregnancy, and you are well prepared for labor, there is always a big possibility that something might go wrong, specially after the previous abortion (Read about: Surgical Abortion). Learn about the most common labor complications…

Most Common Delivery and Labor Complications

Slow progression of labor – the progression of labor is constantly monitored from your doctor or midwife by checking how much the cervix is opened or how far the baby has progressed. During labor, it can occur that the opening of the cervix is lower than normally, the contractions have slowed down (Read also: Braxton-Hicks Contractions) or even totally stopped . If this occurs there are some possible things that can make the labor process faster. You can try changing the position into one you might feel more comfortable, you can also try walking around as it is known that movement encourages the contractions and helps the baby move further down the birth canal (Learn also: What Causes Your Water to Break?). If these little things also don’t help there is always the possibility of induced labor with various medications, like Syntocinon.

Retained placenta – in some cases the placenta is not extracted from the uterus, so your doctor needs to remove it to reduce this kind of labor complications.

Complications in a Multiples Pregnancy

Multiple Pregnancy – when there is more than one baby, it is normal for the pregnancy to last shorter, leading to preterm birth. Usually multiple pregnancies don’t pass more than 37 weeks. If you and your doctor decide to deliver these babies by vaginal birth (Learn also: Assisted Birth), there is always the possibility that after the first baby is born, the second baby presents into an unusual position, so the doctor who is delivering you needs to maneuver the second twin into the right position to reduce labor complications. Keep in mind that babies who are born pre-term usually require some assistance for the first couple of days or weeks after the delivery.

Position of Baby During Labor

Unusual position of the baby – in many cases the baby doesn’t present as it should into the birth canal with his/her head. Instead, it can present with the feet or bottom first. This is known as breech position. If this occurs, you and your doctor will decide how is more safe for you to deliver the baby. C-section is the only solution in many cases. However, there is also the possibility of a procedure called “cephalic external version” during which your doctor will slowly try to rotate the baby by placing their hands on your abdomen. This procedure has its own risks for labor complications, as during this procedure it is possible to tangle the cord or even to separate the placenta from the uterus wall. The procedure is performed around 36 weeks, always monitoring the baby, cord and placenta. In cases that something goes wrong, an emergency C-Section is necessary to deliver the baby on time.

Except the breech position, the posterior position is also possible. Immediately this means longer labor and delivery, followed by back pain and discomfort. Sometimes in posterior position, your doctor needs to assist the birth of your baby with the help of forceps or vacuum pumps.

Postpartum Hemorrhage Treatment & Management

Postpartum hemorrhage – it is normal to lose some blood during and after the delivery of the baby. However postpartum hemorrhage is an excessive loss of blood after the baby is born (Learn also: Bleeding After Sexual Intercourse). Luckily it is a rare condition in obstetrics. There are two types of postpartum hemorrhage: primary hemorrhage which occurs within the first 24 hours after the delivery, and secondary hemorrhage which occurs up to six weeks after the delivery. The causes of postpartum hemorrhage usually include: endometriosis, retained placenta or uterine atony. In order to prevent labor complications like this you will usually get an injection of Syntocinon which stimulates uterine contractions and helps extract the placenta out of the uterus.

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This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not medical advice.

If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.