Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 23 December 2022

Childnirth complications Childbirth is the process of bringing a child into the outside world from the uterus, also known as the womb. It entails extreme physical stress and has emotional, cognitive, social as well as cultural significance. The labor and delivery process are usually simple but complications that arise may require immediate attention. Most pregnant women are free from any complications. However, other will experience complications that may affect their health including the baby. Complications during pregnancy can sometimes be caused by disease or due to the health conditions of the mother before getting pregnant. Early detection and prenatal care can reduce any further risk both mother and the baby.

Some women may experience prolonged labor. If the delivery takes longer than expected, this is referred to as "failure to progress." Labor is considered prolonged if it lasts more than 20 hours for the first delivery. Failure to progress occurs when labor lasts more than 14 hours among women who have previously given birth. Prolonged labor can occur due to a variety of factors including slow cervical dilation, slow effacement, large baby, small birth canal or pelvis, multiple baby delivery, and emotional factors such as worry, stress, and fear.

Furthermore, a fetus may experience fetal distress. An irregular heartbeat in the baby, problems with muscle tone and movement, and low levels of amniotic fluid may be associated with non-reassuring fetal status. This could be due to low oxygen levels, maternal anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension in the mother, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), or meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Failure to initiate and sustain breathing at birth also known as perinatal asphyxia can occur before, during, or immediately after delivery due to lack of oxygen. This can lead to low oxygen levels, high levels of CO2 and acidosis, or too much acid in the blood. As a result, cardiovascular problems and organ malfunction can happen.

Other complications include shoulder dystocia, excessive bleeding, malposition of babies, placenta previa, Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), umbilical cord compression, uterine rupture, and low birth weight. Low birth weight usually occurs due to poor nutrition or the use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Babies who are born at a low birth weight have a higher risk of respiratory infections, learning disabilities, heart infections, and blindness. Complications during delivery can be life-threatening especially in areas where there is lack of proper maternal health care.

Appropriate health care, healthy diet, prenatal vitamins, stop in smoking, avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs, and attending all prenatal visits may help to promote a healthy pregnancy and prevent you from having a high-risk of health problems. If you are planning to get pregnant, it is important to consult your doctor especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

ZDN DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

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