Labor and delivery can be a scary time for some women. There are a variety of complications that can occur during labor & delivery. Knowing a little bit about the various complications and how they are handled can help an expectant mother be at least a little more at ease.

One of the most common complications that is faced during labor an delivery is when the baby is not positioned normal. In general, a baby that is ready for delivery will be head down, and facing toward the mother’s backside. If the baby is not positioned this way, there can be problems with the baby moving through the birth canal. Depending on how the baby is positioned, this may be handled by the physician trying to move the baby around externally (known as “version”). If the baby cannot be moved into a good position, it is often handled by doing a Cesarean section instead of a vaginal birth.

Another potential complication during labor & delivery is an abnormal heart rate for the baby. If the baby’s heart rate is above the normal range, it can indicate fetal distress. This is sometimes handled by giving oxygen to the mother, increasing her intake of fluids, or changing her position.

Problems with the placenta can also cause complications during labor and delivery. Placentia previa, in which the placenta blocks or obstructs the cervix, is generally handled with a c-section, as is Abruptio placentia, in which the placenta separates early from the uterus.

Fetal meconium can also be a complication during labor and delivery. If the baby has passed her first bowel movement in the womb, the meconium can cause fetal distress. Often fetal meconium is handled by a pediatric specialist.

Sometimes, labor does not progress in a normal pattern, or might be abnormally slow. When this complication occurs, many physicians will choose to use medications such as pitocin to induce labor.

The anesthetic medications used during labor and delivery can sometimes cause complications as well. Occasionally, a mother will have an allergic reaction, or will go into respiratory distress because of an anesthetic. When this happens, the specific problem is generally addressed through the most appropriate means.

Posted in Labor

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