Risks for the patient
Bleeding
Bleeding after a birth is normal. However, sometimes the bleeding is very heavy and may require medications, procedures, or rarely a blood transfusion. Ways to minimize bleeding after the birth are medications (ie oxytocin), massaging the uterus between two hands (bimanual massage), and helping the placenta to deliver promptly.
Infection
Sometimes during labour an infection can develop inside the uterus (chorioamnionitis). This may result in a fever and elevation of both mother and baby’s heart rates. Infections are treated with antibiotics and usually get better once the baby is born.
Tears and/or episiotomies
Most patients will experience a second degree tear with their first birth. Infrequently, tears can involve the anus. Tears are repaired with dissolvable stitches and usually heal well.
Bladder
In some cases, the bladder may not empty urine well after birth. This is temporary and may require short-term use of a Foley catheter (tube that drains the bladder).
Cesarean birth in labour
The most common reasons to have a Cesarean birth in labour are:
- The cervix doesn’t open fully.
- The baby doesn’t move down in the pelvis.
- The baby’s head is not in the ideal position (facing down).
- The baby doesn’t tolerate labour.
- The umbilical cord slips out in front of the baby (cord prolapse).
- At any point in the labour process, the patient can discuss the option of a Cesarean birth with their care provider.
Risks to the baby
Stress in labour
The baby’s status is monitored during the labour process. If there are concerns with the fetal heart rate tracing, your care provider may recommend a Cesarean birth or assisted birth with a vacuum, forceps, and/or episiotomy.
Shoulder dystocia
Sometimes the baby’s head is born but the shoulders get stuck. This is called a shoulder dystocia (“dis-tow-shuh”) and is an emergency because the baby’s oxygen supply can be affected. Your care providers are well-trained to manage these emergencies.