Most Dangerous Childbirth Complications
PRACTICE AREAS
Table of Contents
What Are the Most Dangerous Birth and Pregnancy Complications?
Bringing a child into the world is a beautiful experience for many mothers, as their pregnancies and births go off without a hitch. However, some mothers and babies experience serious complications during pregnancy or birth. Some of the most dangerous childbirth complications, such as umbilical cord prolapse, uterine rupture, and shoulder dystocia, can cause serious injuries to mothers and babies.
According to an article from the World Health Organization, at least 40 million women could experience long-term health problems related to childbirth annually. Although this number is much smaller in the United States alone, birth injuries affecting mothers and babies are still a prominent issue. If you or your child has suffered birth injuries due to a doctor’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.
Speak with the Houston birth injury lawyers at Reich & Binstock by calling 713-622-7271. Schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys for sound legal advice on how to seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Most Dangerous Childbirth Complications for the Mother
Childbirth can present various complications for the mother, some of which can be severe or life-threatening. Although most doctors take every precaution to protect both fetal and maternal health, some issues can still arise that are not always within a doctor’s control. One example is gestational diabetes, which can occur from hormone levels changing during pregnancy.
However, many birth injuries occur due to the negligence of a medical professional. When this happens, the injured mother could pursue just compensation. Some serious complications that can occur due to negligence include the following.
Uterine Rupture
Uterine rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening obstetric complication during pregnancy or labor where the muscular wall of the uterus tears or ruptures. This tear can extend through some or all of the uterine wall layers, potentially causing significant health risks to both the mother and the baby.
Uterine rupture often occurs in women who have had previous uterine surgeries, particularly prior cesarean sections, as the scar tissue from the previous incision may weaken the uterine wall.
A complete uterine rupture occurs when the tear extends through all the layers of the uterine wall, causing the contents of the uterus, such as the baby and amniotic fluid, to spill into the abdominal cavity.
An incomplete uterine rupture involves a partial tear of the uterine wall, where the fetus may remain within the uterus, but the rupture still poses risks of hemorrhage and other complications.
Fetal Macrosomia
Fetal macrosomia is a condition in which a baby is significantly larger than average for its gestational age, often defined as weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces, or above the 90th percentile for its gestational age on growth charts. This condition can make a vaginal delivery extremely dangerous for the mother, which means that a cesarean delivery is generally a better option.
Placenta Previa
Placenta previa is a childbirth complication where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, the opening to the uterus, obstructing the baby’s pathway for delivery. This condition occurs in about 1 in 200 pregnancies.
There are three main types of placenta previa.
- Complete previa: The placenta completely covers the cervix, obstructing the birth canal.
- Partial previa: The placenta partially covers the cervix, but not entirely. The edge of the cervix remains free.
- Marginal previa: The placenta’s edge reaches the margin of the cervix but doesn’t cover it.
Placenta previa can cause bleeding, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, as the cervix starts to efface and dilate in preparation for childbirth. This bleeding might be sudden and painless or accompanied by abdominal pain or contractions.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive bleeding during childbirth, medically known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication that occurs when a woman experiences significant blood loss following the birth of her baby. PPH is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide.
There are two main types of PPH.
- Primary postpartum hemorrhage: This occurs within the first 24 hours after childbirth. It’s often due to complications like uterine atony (the inability of the uterus to contract properly after delivery), lacerations of the birth canal or cervix, retained placental tissue, or complications related to a cesarean section.
- Secondary postpartum hemorrhage: This type occurs between 24 hours and six weeks after childbirth. It can be caused by issues such as retained placental tissue, infection, or problems with blood clotting.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) usually occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. It’s typically accompanied by signs of damage to other organ systems, most commonly the liver and kidneys. This condition can negatively affect both pregnant women and babies.
The exact cause of preeclampsia isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve problems with the placenta and its blood supply to the growing fetus.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but life-threatening obstetric emergency that occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the maternal bloodstream, leading to an allergic or anaphylactic reaction. It can result in maternal mortality if not properly addressed.
The exact cause of amniotic fluid embolism isn’t entirely understood, but it’s believed to occur when there’s a breach in the barrier between the amniotic fluid and the maternal circulation. This might happen during labor, delivery, or shortly after childbirth when there’s a tear in the placental membranes or blood vessels.
Most Dangerous Childbirth Complications for the Baby
Childbirth can present various complications that pose risks to the health and well-being of newborn babies. When mothers go into labor, they expect that their doctors will do everything they can to protect their baby. Unfortunately, not all doctors take all the necessary precautions.
Negligence during delivery can severely impact child health in a number of ways. Some of the most dangerous birth complications for babies include the following.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth complication that occurs during vaginal delivery when one or both of the baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone after the head has already emerged. This situation prevents the baby’s body from being delivered easily, potentially causing significant risks for both the baby and the mother.
Risk factors for shoulder dystocia include the following.
- Fetal macrosomia (a larger-than-average baby)
- Maternal diabetes or gestational diabetes
- Pelvic abnormalities or inadequate maternal pelvis size for delivery
- Prolonged labor
- Previous history of shoulder dystocia
- Post-term pregnancy (beyond the due date)
Shoulder dystocia can lead to potential complications for both the baby and the mother. For the baby, these complications might include brachial plexus injuries (nerve damage), fractures, lack of oxygen, or other birth injuries. For the mother, complications may include postpartum hemorrhage, tears, or injuries during delivery.
A shoulder dystocia lawyer in Houston can help victims and their families seek compensation for the negligence that caused the shoulder dystocia.
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious obstetric complication that occurs during labor and delivery when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix alongside or ahead of the presenting part of the baby, usually the baby’s head. This situation can lead to compression or occlusion of the umbilical cord, disrupting blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby.
It is relatively rare, occurring in around 0.001 to 0.005% of births. It is considered an obstetric emergency that requires immediate medical attention because the compression of the cord can compromise the baby’s oxygen supply, potentially leading to fetal distress, brain damage, or even fetal death if not promptly addressed.
Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection that occurs in the fetal membranes (chorion and amnion) and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. It’s commonly caused by bacteria ascending from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, leading to inflammation and infection of the fetal membranes.
This condition often develops during labor or before childbirth, but it can also occur earlier in pregnancy. Risk factors for chorioamnionitis include prolonged labor, prolonged rupture of membranes (when the amniotic sac breaks before the onset of labor), multiple vaginal examinations during labor, or the use of internal fetal monitoring devices.
Perinatal Asphyxia
Perinatal asphyxia, also known as birth asphyxia, is a condition that occurs when a newborn baby experiences a lack of oxygen and inadequate blood flow to the vital organs, particularly the brain, before, during, or immediately after birth. This oxygen deprivation can lead to tissue damage and potentially life-threatening complications for the baby.
Perinatal asphyxia can result from various factors, including the following.
- Prolonged or difficult labor and delivery
- Umbilical cord problems, such as prolapse or compression
- Placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterus)
- Maternal health conditions, such as high blood pressure or certain infections
- Fetal distress or complications during the birthing process
- Meconium aspiration (when a baby inhales the first stool, meconium, into the lungs)
One specific example of perinatal asphyxia occurs when the umbilical cord gets trapped between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvic bone. The pressure from the mother’s pelvis and the baby can cut off the baby’s supply of oxygen, potentially causing serious complications.
Premature Birth
A premature birth, also known as preterm birth, occurs when a baby is born before completing the full 37 weeks of gestation. Normally, a pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks, from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period to the estimated due date. Therefore, a preterm birth is when a baby is born three or more weeks before this due date.
Preterm birth can lead to various health complications for the baby, including the following.
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Developmental issues
- Jaundice
- Infections
- Brain complications
Conversely, issues can also arise if pregnancy lasts too long. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, pregnancies lasting more than 42 weeks often require specialized help.
Fetal Distress
Fetal distress refers to a situation during pregnancy or labor where there are signs indicating that the fetus may not be receiving enough oxygen or that its overall well-being might be compromised. These signs can be detected through fetal monitoring, which measures the baby’s heart rate and sometimes other parameters to assess its health.
Fetal distress can occur when complications arise during pregnancy or birth. It can occur due to various reasons, such as problems with the placenta, umbilical cord compression or entanglement, maternal health conditions, or complications during labor and delivery.
FAQs
What Happens If You Can’t Push the Baby Out?
In some cases during labor, a situation may arise where a mother is unable to push the baby out, despite being in the second stage of labor (the pushing stage). This condition is known as “failure to progress” or “arrest of labor.” Several factors might contribute to this situation, such as exhaustion, ineffective pushing, fetal malposition, or issues with the size of the baby relative to the birth canal.
If attempts to assist the vaginal delivery are unsuccessful or if there are concerns about the baby’s or mother’s health, an emergency cesarean delivery (C-section) might be necessary. A C-section involves surgical delivery through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
How Long Can a Baby Be in the Birth Canal?
The time a baby spends in the birth canal during labor varies widely and depends on multiple factors, including the mother’s health, the baby’s position and size, the progress of labor, and the effectiveness of contractions.
Babies can remain in the birth canal for a long time as long as they receive adequate oxygen through the umbilical cord and placenta. If a baby starts showing signs of oxygen deprivation or distress, delivery should happen within 15 to 25 minutes to prevent severe brain damage.
In most cases, once a baby’s head enters the birth canal (a stage called “crowning”), the actual time spent in the birth canal until delivery can be relatively short, typically ranging from a few minutes to around an hour. However, this duration can differ significantly among women and can be influenced by various factors.
It’s common for babies to pass through the vaginal birth canal relatively quickly once crowning occurs. However, suppose there is prolonged second-stage labor lasting more than 3 hours for first-time mothers or more than 2 hours for women who have previously given birth. This might prompt healthcare providers to evaluate and consider interventions to assist the delivery.
How Long Is It Safe to Be in Labor?
The duration of labor can vary significantly among women. What’s considered a safe duration of labor depends on various factors, including the mother’s health, the progress of labor, and the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides guidelines for the duration of labor. These guidelines suggest that for first-time mothers, the first stage of labor typically lasts around 12 to 18 hours. For women who have previously given birth, this stage might progress more rapidly, usually lasting around 6 to 8 hours.
A prolonged delivery process can pose a greater risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Doctors must constantly monitor labor progress, vital signs, and other indicators to make informed decisions about interventions or medical assistance if needed.
Is Death One of the Risks of Shoulder Dystocia?
Rarely, but yes. Death can be one of the potential risks associated with shoulder dystocia. However, it is not among the most common complications that can arise from shoulder dystocia. Most cases of shoulder dystocia can be managed with appropriate medical interventions. However, the most common potential complications include the following.
- Fetal asphyxia
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Fractures
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
Contact a Houston Birth Injury Attorney with Reich & Binstock Today
In the world of childbirth, unforeseen complications can lead to devastating outcomes for both the mother and the baby. At Reich & Binstock, we understand the profound impact that childbirth complications can have on families. With our experience in handling birth injury lawsuits, our dedicated team in Houston stands ready to advocate for those affected by the most dangerous childbirth complications.
If you or your loved one has experienced such complications, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Houston personal injury attorney at Reich & Binstock today for guidance and support in seeking the compensation and care you deserve. Your family’s well-being is our priority. To schedule a free consultation with us, please call our office at 713-622-7271 today.
There is never a fee unless we recover on your behalf.
Additionally, clients are not obligated to pay expenses if a recovery is not made.
