Understanding and Coping with Common Postpartum Complications
- Article reading time: 5 minutes
Even if your pregnancy was problem-free, complications may still arise during labor and delivery. Although this may sound frightening, being aware of potential issues and how to deal with them can help you feel more prepared and confident. In this article, we will discuss the most common complications of labor, their symptoms, and what you can do to prevent and manage them.
Premature Labor and Preterm Birth
One of the most significant risks for babies is being born early, before their body has fully developed. Preterm labor occurs when contractions begin before the 37th week of pregnancy. Symptoms include:
Regular contractions that occur less than 10 minutes apart
Menstrual-like cramps (different from Braxton Hicks contractions)
Low back pain or pelvic pressure
Abdominal cramps, gas, or diarrhea accompanying the contractions
Vaginal spotting or bleeding
Changes in vaginal discharge, especially a sudden gush or leak of fluid
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Medications and other treatments can help stop preterm labor, and specialized care can support premature infants.
Fetal malpositions
Ideally, babies in the mother’s womb should be head-down, facing the mother’s back, with their chin tucked and the back of their head ready to enter the birth canal. However, some babies settle into less favorable positions, such as:
Breech presentation (buttocks or feet down)
Transverse lie (baby is lying horizontally)
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) (the baby’s head is too large to pass through the pelvis)
Occiput Posterior (fetus facing the mother’s abdomen)
Abnormal presentations can lead to longer, more painful labor and increase the risk of injury to both mother and baby. Your doctor may attempt to manually turn the baby using a technique called External Cephalic Version (ECV) or perform a Cesarean section if necessary.
Umbilical cord issues
The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline, providing oxygen and nutrients. Sometimes, the cord can slip through the cervix before the baby is born (prolapse) or become compressed during labor, reducing blood flow to the baby. Symptoms of umbilical cord prolapse include feeling the cord in the birth canal or seeing it protruding from the vagina.
If you suspect umbilical cord prolapse, call an ambulance immediately and get onto your hands and knees, resting your chest on the floor and keeping your hips elevated to relieve pressure on the cord. An emergency Cesarean section will be performed at the hospital.
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)
Excessive bleeding from the uterus, cervix, or vagina after childbirth is called postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). This can occur when the uterus does not contract properly after the placenta detaches or due to tears. Your medical team will monitor you closely and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Preventing labor and delivery complications
Although not all complications can be avoided, there are steps you can take for a healthier pregnancy and delivery:
Receive timely and adequate prenatal care
Quit smoking, as it can cause premature birth
Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of gum disease and preterm labor
Manage stress through relaxation techniques and asking for help
If you are at risk for preterm labor, undergo screening tests such as transvaginal ultrasound and fetal fibronectin testing.
Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you and ensure the safest possible delivery for you and your child. Do not hesitate to voice any concerns or questions you have throughout your pregnancy and labor.
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