Introduction to Abnormalities and Complications of Labor and Delivery

Abnormalities and complications of labor and delivery should be diagnosed and managed as early as possible.

Most of the following complications are evident before onset of labor:

• Multifetal pregnancy

• Postterm pregnancy

• Prelabor (premature) rupture of membranes

• Abnormal fetal presentation

Some of the following complications develop or become evident during labor or delivery:

• Amniotic fluid embolism

• Shoulder dystocia

• Fetopelvic disproportion

• Preterm labor

• Protracted labor

• Umbilical cord prolapse

• Uterine rupture (rare)

Some complications may require alternatives to spontaneous labor and vaginal delivery. Alternatives include

• Induction of labor

• Operative vaginal delivery

• Cesarean delivery

The neonatal care team should be informed when alternative delivery methods are to be used so they can be ready to treat any neonatal complications.

Some complications (eg, postpartum hemorrhage, inverted uterus) occur immediately after delivery of the fetus and around the time the placenta is delivered.

Some placental abnormalities, such as placenta accreta, may be discovered during pregnancy or only after delivery.

See also neonatal resuscitation, perinatal problems, meconium aspiration syndrome, and preeclampsia and eclampsia.