Common Birth Complications

Common birth complications are substantial things that must be taken into account during pregnancy. Amazing as it is to become a mother, this experience is fragile and requires much preparation, not only financially but physically. After knowing the necessary preps for your bump from its first trimester up to your delivery day, make sure to be aware and well informed with these common birth complications.

First on the list is the breech birth, which means the baby is in a position that is not typical. Generally, babies come out head first in a normal vaginal delivery. In breech birth cases, the baby may come out buttocks first with legs flexed at the hip and extended at the knees (Frank breech). Or the baby's hips and knees are flexed so that the baby is sitting cross legged with feet beside the buttocks, which is referred to as the complete breech position. It is called footling breech when one or both feet come first, with the rear at a higher post which is common with premature babies. And when one or both legs extended at the hips and flexed at the knees while kneeling, this is called the kneeling breech. It is strongly advised that babies be delivered via Caesarian section in the case of a breech birth to avoid high risk of the lives of both the baby and the mother.

Shoulder Presentation/Transverse Lie is called when the position of the baby in the mother’s womb is sideways. In this case, the part of the baby’s body that is leading is either the arm, shoulder or the trunk. While it is probable for a normal vaginal delivery in breech birth cases, successful, normal delivery is impossible with babies in shoulder presentation.

Next on the list is the nuchal cord, which happens when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck. This complication is common and is usually resolved prior to the baby’s delivery.

Bleeding or hemorrhage is the most common of all. Generally, this occurs in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, which is sometimes expected due to implantation. In this process, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall which causes the bleeding. However, as bleeding may mean a lot of things during pregnancy, it is safer that you visit your obstetrician in case it occurs. This could mean: ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or placenta previa.

There’s no doubt that becoming a mother is the most wonderful thing that might happen in a woman’s entire life. How science explains the course of the reproductive system may seem presumable, but everything seems magical. Once you are prepared and know a few of the terms that are important during your pregnancy, will be easier for you to traverse the waters of such a magnificent experience.