Birth Complications: Know More About Them

Prenatal

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Monday, July 4, 2011, 17:21

The moment of giving birth to her child is one of the most cherished events of a mother's life. It can be a very rewarding process if everything goes well. Pregnancy problems during childbirth can lead to serious complications, if proper medical attention is not given.

Birth complications for a mother can happen due to many reasons. It can be due to exposure to radiations, toxins, late pregnancy or unhealthy lifestyle. Let's have a look at a few birth complications, which can also be very fatal.

Abnormal Presentation: This refers to the baby being incorrectly positioned at the time of labour. The ideal position for a normal delivery would have the baby's head down and its face towards the mother's back. If there is any change in this position, it call for medical assistance. Sometimes the help of surgery is also undertaken for safer childbirth.

Long Labour: If the mother endures prolonged labour pain, it might lead to birth complications to the mother as well as baby. In such cases other forms of delivery are taken. This is one of the pregnancy problems faced during childbirth.

Preterm Birth: Sometimes the mother starts experiencing contractions in the 37th week of pregnancy. Sometimes doctors themselves advice this, in case the mother has preeclampsia. A baby born at preterm birth is termed as premature baby. It needs special attention and care. Another reason for preterm birth is if there is an early rupture of membranes.

Hemorrhage: This is a condition where there is heavy blood loss after childbirth. This may lead to shock or imporper functioning of vital organs or even death if it is not treated properly.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse: This can happen if the baby has not entered the mother's pelvic area or if the amniotic sac breaks before the baby enters the pelvic area. It is best to seek medical attention in this case. Lying on the floor with your buttocks raised will prevent the baby from cutting the cord. This might call for a caesarian.

Umbilical Cord Compression: The baby is always moving around in the mother's womb. This might lead to the baby wrapping the cord around his neck, thus cutting off oxygen supply. Sometimes extra oxygen is given to the mother before proceeding with a caesarian.

These are some of the birth complications that mothers face during childbirth. It is always advised to keep in touch with your doctor, during the final stages of gestation, to avoid any of the above birth complications.