Even if you are very happy and worry-free throughout your pregnancy, sometimes minor complications can arise during the delivery of your baby. Don't panic immediately when you hear this. Because our doctors are able to manage most of these things well. The most important thing is to be aware of this. So, today, let's talk about some of the major complications that can occur during childbirth.
Prolonged labor
For some mothers, especially those expecting their first child , labor can take longer than expected. This is called 'Failure to Progress'. When labor is prolonged like this, both mother and baby are at risk of developing conditions such as infections.
This is usually due to the baby being too large, the baby not being positioned correctly, or the uterus not contracting properly. However, it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
If your labor is this late, your doctor may give you IV fluids to prevent dehydration. They may also give you a medicine called oxytocin to help strengthen your uterine contractions. If your cervix still doesn't open , your doctor may decide to perform a cesarean section .
Abnormal presentation of the baby
This refers to the position of the baby in the womb as it approaches delivery. The best position for a successful delivery is for the baby to be head down and facing the mother's back. This means that the smallest part of the baby's head comes out first. Since the head is the largest and most stable part of the baby's body, it is safest for it to come out first.
But sometimes the baby's position can change. Let's see what that is.
| Unusual position | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Breech Presentation | This means that the baby's head is facing up and the buttocks or legs are facing down. Most of the time, this will turn on its own as the baby gets closer to delivery. |
| Occiput Posterior | Even though the baby's head is down, his face is facing the mother's belly. This can cause severe back pain called "back labor." |
| Transverse Lie | A breech presentation is a very dangerous and serious condition in which the baby's shoulder is the first to come out. |
What to do if the baby's position is wrong?
Your doctor will check the baby's position by palpating your abdomen. If necessary, they will confirm it with an ultrasound scan. If the baby is in a breech position even a few weeks before delivery, the doctor may try to turn the baby inside out.
This is called External Cephalic Version (ECV) . It involves the doctor placing his or her hand on your belly and very carefully turning the baby into the correct position. This has a success rate of about 50%-60%. This is done in the hospital, because in an emergency, a cesarean section may be needed quickly.
If this method is not successful, a cesarean section is often recommended.
Umbilical Cord Issues
The umbilical cord is the baby's lifeline. It is through this that the baby receives oxygen and nutrition from the mother. So problems with this are a bit serious.
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
This is a very emergency situation . What happens here is that the umbilical cord slips into the vagina before the baby comes out. It may even be visible outside the vagina.
Why is this dangerous? Because the umbilical cord can become trapped around the baby's head or body, completely cutting off the baby's blood and oxygen supply.
If something like this happens to you:
- Call an ambulance immediately and go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Until the ambulance arrives, kneel on the ground, place both elbows on the ground, and keep your backside elevated . When you are in this position, gravity reduces the baby's weight on the umbilical cord.
- When you get to the hospital, doctors will often perform an emergency cesarean section to remove the baby.
Umbilical Cord Compression
This is not as serious as the previous one, and it is also a bit more common. It happens to about one in ten babies during delivery . It happens when the umbilical cord gets wrapped around the baby's neck or gets caught between the baby's head and the mother's pelvic bone.
This is detected by the monitor that monitors the baby during labor. As the umbilical cord is clamped, the baby's heart rate will drop for a while and then return to normal. Most of the time, this is not a big problem.
However, if the heart rate continues to slow or the baby shows other signs of distress, your doctor may give you oxygen or use forceps or vacuum to help deliver the baby quickly. In some cases, a cesarean section may be necessary.
Take-Home Message
- Complications can occur during childbirth, but don't worry. Your doctor and the hospital staff are trained to deal with them.
- If you have any doubts about your baby's position, never hesitate to ask your doctor about it.
- Umbilical Cord Prolapse is an emergency. Remember what to do in that case (kneel, put your elbows on the ground, and keep your butt elevated).
- Many problems that arise during childbirth can be well managed under the care of doctors.
- The ultimate goal is always to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
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