Before we begin: Complications may happen during childbirth including preterm labor, problems with the umbilical cord or position of the baby, and birth injuries.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about childbirth problems. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
Childbirth is the process of giving birth to a baby. It includes labor and delivery. Usually everything goes well, but problems can happen. They may cause a risk to the mother, baby, or both. Some of the more common childbirth problems include:
Preterm (premature) labor, when your labor starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), when your water breaks too early. If labor does not start soon afterwards, this can raise the risk of infection.
Problems with the placenta, such as the placenta covering the cervix, separating from the uterus before birth, or being attached too firmly to the uterus
Labor that does not progress, meaning that labor is stalled. This can happen when
Your contractions weaken
Your cervix does not dilate (open) enough or is taking too long to dilate
The baby is not in the right position
The baby is too big or your pelvis is too small for the baby to move through the birth canal
Abnormal heart rate of the baby. Often, an abnormal heart rate is not a problem. But if the heart rate gets very fast or very slow, it can be a sign that your baby is not getting enough oxygen or that there are other problems.
Problems with the umbilical cord, such as the cord getting caught on the baby’s arm, leg, or neck. It’s also a problem if cord comes out before the baby does.
Problems with the position of the baby, such as breech, in which the baby is going to come out feet first
Shoulder dystocia, when the baby’s head comes out, but the shoulder gets stuck
Perinatal asphyxia, which happens when the baby does not get enough oxygen in the uterus, during labor or delivery, or just after birth
Perineal tears, tearing of your vagina and the surrounding tissues
Excessive bleeding, which can happen when the delivery causes tears to the uterus or if you are not able to deliver the placenta after you give birth to the baby
Post-term pregnancy, when your pregnancy lasts more than 42 weeks
If you have problems in childbirth, your health care provider may need to give you medicines to induce or speed up labor, use tools to help guide the baby out of the birth canal, or deliver the baby by Cesarean section.
NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Related topics: Birth Injuries, Premature Labor.
Categories: Children and Teenagers, Women, Pregnancy and Reproduction.
Source: National Institutes of Health — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Key Takeaways
Understanding childbirth problems is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.