Complications in Labour

By: abelfischer

Total Views: 246, Word Count: 559,

Unfortunately, not every woman has a smooth labour. Some problems may be anticipated before labour starts and some problems cannot be anticipated. In this article we will discuss in detail about the problems that could occur during labour.

Anticipated problems in labour

• If your baby is large, but there is still a chance for a normal vaginal delivery, your obstetrician may allow you to labour and if the labour does not progress normally may then opt for a caesarean.
• On the other hand, babies that is much smaller than expected for that stage of pregnancy may also develop problems during labour which may result in a caesarean section.
• If you have gone more than one week beyond your due date, then problems may be anticipated.
• If you have hypertension or diabetes complicating your pregnancy, there may be an increased chance of having a caesarean section.
• Women older than 35 and younger than 18 also have a higher chance of caesarian section.
• If the labour has been induced for any reason, then the chance of undergoing a caesarean section increases.

Unanticipated problems in labour

• Failure of labour to progress - In some cases labour may not progress normally. This could be due to the cervix not dilating. This condition is called cervical dystocia.
• Cephalo-pelvic disproportion - When the foetus is too big to fit through your pelvis or if your pelvis is too small for your baby to pass through, it is called cephalo- pelvic disproportion.
• Foetal distress - This can be an unexpected problem leading to a caesarean section. When the foetus shows signs which indicate it, is not getting enough oxygen, the foetus is said to be in distress. The two common signs of foetal distress are when there are changes in the baby’s heartbeat and the passage of meconium within the uterus.
• Abnormal changes in the baby’s heartbeat - The normal heartbeat of the baby is between 110 and 150 beats per minute. If the heartbeat drops to 110 or below, foetal distress is suspected. Occasionally, the lack of oxygen can cause the baby to push up its heartbeat. A heart rate above 160 can also be a sign of foetal distress.
• Passage of meconium - The baby usually does not pass motion inside the uterus. When the baby’s oxygen supply through the placenta and the umbilical cord are compromised, when the baby’s oxygen supply through the placenta and the umbilical cord are compromised, then the baby may pass motion as a reflex.
• Cord prolapse - Foetal distress may also occur if the umbilical cord slips out of the cervix ahead of the baby’s head. This is a rare occurrence and is called cord prolapsed. A cord prolapsed is an emergency situation and can cause problems to the baby if not recognized and treated immediately.
• Shoulder dystocia - When the baby has broad shoulders, the baby’s head will deliver but the shoulders will get caught in the birth canal. This is called shoulder dystocia. 

About the Author

 Abel Fischer is a practicing gynecologist in Dassel, Germany and regularly contributes to women’s health issues and forums.

---

Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

Enter the code shown