Childbirth is a process that countless billions of women have gone through. In most cases, it goes smoothly. But there is always a risk that something will go wrong, even with the benefit of modern medical care. What’s more, older mothers are at greater risk of running into problems.
Common Complications in Labour
A minority of specific problems account for a majority of cases. Sometimes, labour can last for longer than expected, which might necessitate a caesarean in the later stages. In other cases, foetal distress might be dealt with in the same way. Then there’s perinatal asphyxia, which refers to a series of problems relating to breathing difficulties for the baby.
Less common are things like shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s head exits the vagina, but their shoulders remain stuck. The vagina might need to be surgically widened – a small cut, known as an episiotomy, is typically how this is achieved.
Managing Obstetric Emergencies
An obstetric emergency occurs when there is a problem with the birth that requires immediate medical attention. Recognising the symptoms of these problems, and intervening early in the process, might make the difference in securing a good outcome for both mother and baby.
While the medical team around the mother might seek to offer reassurance throughout the labour, it’s vital that the mother communicates any strange sensations or feelings. In some cases, these might provide a crucial clue.
What’s arguably more important is the medical history of the mother. For example, uterine ruptures tend to be more common among mothers who have previously undergone uterine surgery.
Addressing Medical Negligence in Maternity Care
Medical professionals are only human. Sometimes they can err, and, sometimes, the consequences of the error can be significant. If you believe you’ve suffered harm because of actions taken, or not taken, by those caring for you during labour, then you might be entitled to compensation.
Childbirth-related incidents account for a significant chunk of medical negligence claims. If the birth goes wrong, seeking a good lawyer might help you obtain justice.
The Importance of Informed Consent
During labour, midwives and doctors may seek your consent to perform a specific procedure, like an episiotomy. In law, they are forbidden from intervening without your consent, unless they reasonably believe you to be incapable of giving it, or that your life is in danger.
Of course, for consent to be meaningful, it needs to be informed. Thus, it’s a good idea to make yourself aware of the interventions that could be required.
If these interventions need to be explained to you during labour, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take them on board.
Postpartum Care and Recovery
After you’ve given birth, you might feel absolutely exhausted and physically depleted. But the journey is only just beginning. Depending on how the birth went, you might require postpartum care. This will allow you to look after birthing injuries, to heal properly, and to contend with psychological symptoms like postnatal depression.
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