Accessibility Tools

What is Labor?

Birthing is the act or process of giving birth to offspring. Labor or childbirth experience may differ in every woman. Common initial signs of labor include strong regular contractions, backache, draining of water (amniotic fluid) or sticky and mucous-like substance through the vagina. The average time for which you will be in labor may be approximately 12-18 hours.

Risk and Complication in Labor

The most common risks and complications that may occur during labor are discussed below

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is said to have occurred when you have strong contractions before 37 weeks of your pregnancy whereas the gestation period normally is 38 to 40 weeks. A baby, if born prematurely, will be at risk of complications such as immature lungs, respiratory distress, and problems in digestion as the organ systems would not have developed completely to support survival.Your doctor will manage this situation with medications that stop labor or prevent infection. Also, medications that accelerate the baby's lung development may be given. You will be advised to take bed rest, usually lying on the left side.

Prolonged labor

Some women most often during their first pregnancy may go through labor that lasts for too long. Prolonged labor may lead to infection in case the amniotic sac has ruptured. Anti-infective medications may be administered to prevent infection.

Abnormal Presentation

During labor, normally the baby moves to a head-down position with the back of the head ready to enter the pelvis. Sometimes, the baby may present with buttocks or feet first towards the birth canal. This is called a breech presentation. In some conditions, the placenta may block the cervix (placenta previa) and cause abnormal presentation.

Abnormal presentation increases the risk of injuries to the uterus or birth canal as well as the fetus. A breech presentation may lead to a prolapsed umbilical cord which might cut off the blood supply to the fetus. Your doctor will check the presentation and position of the baby with a physical examination and an ultrasound scan. Assisted delivery methods may be adopted in such cases.

Premature Rupture of Membranes

Rupture of the membranes that surround the fetus in the uterus may occur prematurely leading to a high risk of infection. In these cases, immediate delivery of the fetus will be done.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

The umbilical cord which transports oxygen and nutrition to the baby may slip into the cervix before the baby during labor. The cord may be felt if it protrudes from the vagina. This is an emergency situation as the blood flow to the baby through the umbilical cord may get obstructed. Seek immediate attention of your doctor.

Umbilical Cord Compression

The umbilical cord may get entangled and wrap around the baby several times during pregnancy, but sometimes during labor, the cord may get compressed leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus. This causes an abrupt drop in the fetal heart rate. In cases where the fetal heart rate has worsened or there are signs of distress, your doctor may consider a Caesarean section.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism

An amniotic fluid embolism occurs when a little amount of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac gains entry into your bloodstream during difficult labor. This fluid may travel up to the lungs and cause constriction of the lung arteries leading to a rapid heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, cardiac arrest, and death. Blood clot formation throughout the body is a common complication and requires immediate care.


Allen OB/GYN

931 SH 121, Suite 2500, Allen, TX 75013