Common Complications During Labor and Delivery
Bringing a new life into the world is a moment of joy and anticipation, but sometimes comes with unexpected challenges. Despite medical advances, complications still happen during childbirth, and some can lead to serious outcomes for mother and baby. Here’s a look at some of the common labor and delivery complications as shared by the National Institutes of Health and Medline Plus.
- Abnormal heart rate of the baby: While often not a problem, a heart rate that is too fast or too slow could indicate that the baby is not getting enough oxygen. This can sometimes be corrected by changing the mother’s position to improve blood flow. In more serious cases, immediate delivery may be required.
- Excessive bleeding: Tears in the uterus or failure of the uterus to contract after delivery can lead to significant bleeding. This is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide.
- Labor that does not progress: Labor may stall if contractions weaken, the cervix does not dilate enough or quickly enough, the baby is too large, the pelvis is too small, or the baby is not in the correct position. Providers may administer medication to stimulate contractions, assist with instruments, or perform a C-section.
- Perinatal asphyxia: This occurs when the infant does not receive enough oxygen during labor, delivery, or just after birth.
- Perineal tears: Tears in the vaginal tissues and surrounding areas are common during delivery. Providers may perform an episiotomy (a surgical cut between the vagina and anus) to prevent severe tearing. Small tears may heal naturally, while larger tears and episiotomies may require stitches.
- Post-term pregnancy: A pregnancy lasting longer than 42 weeks increases the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.
- Preterm labor: Labor beginning before 37 weeks can result in complications for the baby, including underdeveloped organs.
- Problems with the placenta: The placenta may detach from the uterus prematurely (placental abruption) or attach too firmly (placenta accreta), causing complications.
- Problems with the position of the baby: When a baby is not in the head-down position, such as being breech (feet-first), delivery can be more difficult and may require a C-section.
- Problems with the umbilical cord: The cord may become entangled in a limb or around the infant's neck, or it may come out before the baby (cord prolapse), requiring intervention to prevent harm.
- Shoulder dystocia: The baby’s head is delivered, but one or both shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, requiring immediate medical assistance.
- Water breaking early: Labor usually starts after the water breaks, but if it does not, providers may need to induce labor. If the water breaks before 34 weeks, the mother is typically monitored in the hospital due to the risk of infection.
Complications are sometimes unavoidable, but other times there could be negligence involved. For families facing the consequences of birth injuries, it’s crucial to know your rights and explore options for seeking justice and support. Tom Duffy has recovered birth injury settlements in excess of $20,000,000. If you would like to speak with a top Philadelphia birth injury attorney in Philadelphia, contact us to set a time to speak about your legal options.