Even if your pregnancy has been smooth sailing, complications can still arise during labor and delivery. While your doctor and hospital are well-equipped to handle these situations, it's important to be aware of the most common concerns and how to prevent them.
One of the greatest risks to babies is being born too early, before their bodies are mature enough to survive outside the womb. Labor contractions before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm labor, and babies born before this time are at risk for complications such as immature lungs, respiratory distress, and digestive problems.
Symptoms of preterm labor include:
Contractions before 37 weeks, occurring 10 minutes apart or less
Menstrual-like cramps (not to be confused with Braxton Hicks contractions)
Low backache or pelvic pressure
Abdominal cramps, gas, or diarrhea in combination with contractions
Vaginal spotting or bleeding
Changes in vaginal discharge, especially a gush or leak of fluid
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Drugs and other treatments can be used to stop preterm labor, and intensive care can help many premature babies survive.
Ideally, babies should be positioned head-down, facing the mother's back, with their chin tucked and the back of their head ready to enter the pelvis. This is called a vertex or occiput anterior presentation. However, some babies present with their buttocks or feet pointed down (breech presentation) or lie horizontally in the uterus (transverse lie).
Abnormal presentations can increase the risk of injury to the mother and baby, as well as lead to prolonged or difficult labor. Your doctor will check your baby's position in the third trimester and may attempt to manually rotate them into the correct position through a procedure called an external cephalic version.
The umbilical cord is your baby's lifeline, providing oxygen and nutrients from your body to theirs. In rare cases, the cord can slip through the cervix before or during labor (umbilical cord prolapse) or become compressed, leading to decreased blood flow to the baby.
Umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect this has occurred, get on your hands and knees with your chest on the floor and buttocks raised until help arrives. A C-section will be performed once you reach the hospital.
Less common but serious complications include:
Amniotic fluid embolism: When amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream, potentially causing constriction of the lung arteries, rapid heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, or even cardiac arrest and death.
Preeclampsia: High blood pressure developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which can lead to premature placental detachment, maternal seizure, or stroke.
Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding from the uterus, cervix, or vagina after delivery, often due to impaired uterine contractions or lacerations.
The most important step in preventing complications is getting early and adequate prenatal care. This should begin even before pregnancy to ensure you are in the best possible health. Other preventive measures include:
Quitting smoking, as it can trigger preterm labor
Maintaining good oral hygiene, as gum disease has been linked to preterm birth
Reducing stress through relaxation techniques and asking for help when needed
Undergoing screening tests such as transvaginal ultrasound and fetal fibronectin testing if you are at risk for preterm labor
By understanding the potential complications that can arise during labor and delivery and taking steps to prevent them, you can help ensure a safe and healthy birth for you and your baby.
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