Labor and childbirth are very challenging and difficult but usually finish without complications. However, some women experience different labor complications which make things even more challenging and difficult.
Medical News Today shared some of these common labor complications. Also included in the article are the different ways to deal with these labor complications which can help save the lives of both women and their babies/
1. Failure to progress
Failure to progress refers to a labor that lasts for more than 20 hours for first-time mothers and more than 14 hours of labor for mothers who have given birth in the past. Women who are experiencing failure to progress are usually given medications that induce labor or a cesarean section. Women can also try walking, bathing, squatting, standing and relaxation techniques in order to naturally induce labor.
2. Fetal distress
Fetal distress refers to a potentially dangerous status of the baby. This can be caused by lack of oxygen, low levels of amniotic fluid, hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Doctors might recommend women to change positions, hydrate their bodies, get adequate oxygenations, go through amnioinfusion and receive IV hypertonic dextrose.
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3. Perinatal asphyxia
Perinatal asphyxia is caused by lack of oxygenation which can lead to blood conditions such as hypoxemia and acidosis in babies. "Treatment of perinatal asphyxia can include maternal oxygenation, C-section, mechanical breathing or medication," Medical News Today shared.
4. Placenta previa
Placenta previa refers to a condition where the placenta is covering the cervical opening which can lead to severe bleeding in women. During these cases, a cesarean section is usually performed.
5. Cephalopelvic disproportion
One of the most common labor complications is cephalopelvic disproportion. "Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) occurs when a baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis," American Pregnancy shared. A cesarean section is performed during these cases.
