Childbirth is often seen as a joyful moment, especially when both mother and baby are healthy. But behind many successful deliveries are stories of struggle, pain, and sometimes danger. For millions of women around the world, especially in developing countries, giving birth can be risky. Some women face serious complications that threaten their lives or affect their long-term health.
Here are ten major complications women can experience during and after childbirth:
1. Excessive Bleeding (Postpartum Hemorrhage)
One of the most common and dangerous problems during childbirth is excessive bleeding after delivery. This condition, known as postpartum hemorrhage, can happen when the uterus fails to contract properly after the baby is born, or when parts of the placenta remain inside. It can cause a woman to lose a lot of blood very quickly, leading to shock or even death if not treated immediately.
Many cases require urgent medical attention, including blood transfusions and sometimes surgery.
2. Prolonged or Obstructed Labour
Labour is expected to last for several hours, but in some cases, it can drag on for too long or get stuck entirely. This happens when the baby cannot pass through the birth canal due to its position or the size of the mother’s pelvis.
If not managed properly, prolonged labour can cause exhaustion, infections, and injuries to both mother and baby. In some cases, the baby may not survive. That’s why access to skilled birth attendants and emergency care is crucial.
3. High Blood Pressure and Eclampsia
Some women develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as preeclampsia. If not controlled, it can lead to eclampsia—a life-threatening situation where the mother suffers seizures during childbirth.
Eclampsia can damage organs such as the kidneys and liver, and put both the mother and child at risk. Managing blood pressure during pregnancy and recognizing warning signs early are key to preventing this condition from getting worse.
4. Tearing and Fistula
During vaginal delivery, especially if the labour is fast or the baby is large, the tissues around the vagina can tear badly. In some cases, a woman may develop a fistula, an abnormal hole between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.
This often happens when a woman does not get medical care in time during a difficult labour. Fistulas can cause long-term health problems, such as uncontrollable leakage of urine or stool, which can lead to shame, isolation, and depression. Most cases require surgery to repair.
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5. Infections After Delivery
After childbirth, a woman’s body is still healing, and if proper care is not taken, she can develop infections. These infections can occur in the uterus, the area where the placenta was attached, or even in surgical wounds for those who had a cesarean section.
Infections can spread quickly and become dangerous if not treated with antibiotics. Good hygiene and proper postnatal care can prevent most of these cases.
6. Amniotic Fluid Embolism
This is a rare but extremely dangerous condition where amniotic fluid (the fluid around the baby) enters the mother’s bloodstream, causing a severe allergic-like reaction. It can lead to sudden collapse, breathing problems, and heart failure. Many women do not survive it without immediate intensive care.
7. Uterine Rupture
In rare cases, especially in women who have had a previous cesarean delivery, the uterus can tear open during labour. This can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby, requiring emergency surgery.
8. Retained Placenta
Sometimes, the placenta does not come out of the uterus after the baby is delivered. This can lead to severe bleeding or infection. Manual or surgical removal is often needed to avoid complications.
9. Cord Prolapse
This happens when the umbilical cord slips out of the birth canal before the baby, cutting off oxygen to the baby. It’s an emergency that usually requires a quick cesarean section to save the baby’s life.
10. Mental Health Issues After Birth (Postpartum Depression)
While not a physical complication during labour, postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects many women after delivery. It can begin as “baby blues” but in some cases becomes a deep sadness or loss of interest in the baby, which needs professional help.
