Can Anything Go Wrong During Labour? A Guide To Common Complications

Labor is essentially the last leg of your pregnancy journey, characterized by uterine contractions, leading to the birth of the little one. And it is tough to predict if it will go smoothly or some complication will arise. So, read on to know about the common things that can go wrong during labor, in order to prepare yourself better.

Perineal Tear

A perineal laceration or tear happens when the area between the vagina and the anus, called the perineum, rips, as the baby comes out. It is common among first-time moms and happens when the baby’s head is bigger compared to the birth canal or if your vaginal tissue is unable to stretch. Often, doctors anticipate this and make an incision in this area, called episiotomy, to avoid the laceration. Stitches are put in place to heal the tissues.

Failure of Labor To Advance

The rate at which the labor progresses might slow down or even stop. This can happen if contractions decrease in intensity or frequency, if your cervix does not dilate sufficiently, if the baby does not descend along the birth canal, or if the baby’s head is larger than the mother’s pelvis. The last scenario is known as cephalopelvic disproportion or abnormal position of the baby.

Placenta Previa

This is a condition where the placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients and removes waste for the fetus, covers the cervix either entirely or a part of it. It can lead to heavy bleeding during and some hours after delivery, which can be lethal for the mother.  

Fetal Distress

During childbirth, if the baby’s health is compromised in any way, it is known as non-reassuring fetal status or fetal distress. This happens due to labor complications that reduce the oxygen supply to the fetus. Signs include reduced fetal movement, problems with fetal heart rate- either low, high, or irregular, decrease in the amniotic fluid, or presence of meconium, which is fetal poop, in the amniotic fluid. Damage to the baby’s brain or still birth are possible outcomes of severe fetal distress. 

Abnormal Position of the Baby

The ideal position of the baby should be headfirst, facing your back, during delivery. Any other position can create problems:

• Posterior position: When the head is first but the face is towards the mother’s front. It prolongs labor and gives back pain to the mother.

• Breech position: When the baby’s feet or buttocks are first. 

• The head is upwards or the baby is in a horizontal position.

Umbilical Cord Problems

In some cases, the umbilical cord blood banking might be wrapped around the baby’s neck during delivery. It is usually not serious unless it is tightly wound and there are signs of fetal distress like decreased fetal oxygen supply and heart rate or problems with the descent of the baby along the birth canal. Another complication is umbilical cord prolapse, when the cord comes out through the vagina or in the birth canal, before delivery. This is an emergency as it can interfere with the baby’s blood supply and needs to be addressed immediately.

Conclusion

Now that you know about the most common complications during childbirth, talk to your doctor and find out if you are at higher risk of these complications. Ask how any risk can be reduced or how the complications will be managed in your specific case.