{"id":159484,"date":"2026-01-28T06:26:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T12:26:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?page_id=159484"},"modified":"2026-04-09T16:26:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T22:26:07","slug":"birthing-complications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/giving-birth\/birthing-complications\/","title":{"rendered":"Birthing Complications"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Birthing Complications <\/b>Understanding Risks and Safety During Delivery<\/h1>

Most births proceed safely. However, labor and delivery can sometimes involve complications that require medical attention or changes in the birth plan. Understanding possible complications is not meant to create fear it helps you recognize how healthcare teams monitor safety and respond quickly when needed.<\/p>

If you would like to return to the Giving Birth guide, visit the Giving Birth hub<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Pregnancy Topics<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"Reasons<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Reasons for a Cesarean Birth<\/a><\/p>

Health care providers have many reasons for recommending a cesarean birth. Some cesareans occur in critical situations, some are used…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Inducing<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Inducing Labor<\/a><\/p>

What does it mean to “induce labor?” Inducing labor is the artificial start of the birth process through medical interventions…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Fetal<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Fetal Distress<\/a><\/p>

Historically, the term fetal distress has been used to describe when the fetus does not receive adequate amounts of oxygen…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Premature<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Premature Birth Complications<\/a><\/p>

Risks for Premature Newborns Babies born before the 37th week of gestation are considered premature.\u00a0 Premature newborns are sometimes referred…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Creating<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Creating A Positive Cesarean Experience<\/a><\/p>

  With a national cesarean rate of 29.1%, pregnant women have at least a 1 in 4 chance to give…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Stillbirth:<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Stillbirth: Surviving Emotionally<\/a><\/p>

Stillbirth is one of the most devastating of losses, affecting over 25,000 families each year. Stillbirth touches families of all…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Vaginal<\/a><\/div>
Labor and Birth<\/a><\/div>

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: VBAC:<\/a><\/p>

If you have experienced a cesarean delivery, you are not alone. If you desire to try a vaginal delivery after…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"C-Section<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

C-Section Complications<\/a><\/p>

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of C-Section complications. It is important to know and understand your risks…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Cesarean<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

Cesarean Procedure<\/a><\/p>

Cesarean birth happens through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vagina. There has been…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"How<\/a><\/div>
Giving Birth<\/a><\/div>

How to Avoid a Cesarean Birth<\/a><\/p>

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have released new recommendations to…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Why Complications Can Occur<\/h2>

Labor is a complex physical process involving uterine contractions, cervical dilation, fetal positioning, and placental function. Sometimes changes occur that require intervention to protect the health of the parent or baby.1<\/sup> Many complications are manageable when identified early.<\/p>

Failure to Progress (Prolonged Labor)<\/h2>

Failure to progress means labor is not advancing as expected. This may involve the cervix not dilating, the baby not descending, or contractions not being strong enough. Management may include medication, position changes, or cesarean birth depending on circumstances.1<\/sup><\/p>

Learn about prolonged labor, what causes it and how it is managed<\/a><\/p>

Fetal Distress<\/h2>

Fetal distress refers to signs that the baby may not be tolerating labor well, indicated by abnormal heart rate patterns, decreased oxygen supply, or meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Prompt evaluation and, if necessary, expedited delivery can reduce risk.2<\/sup><\/p>

Understand what fetal distress means and how it is identified and treated<\/a><\/p>

Cesarean Complications<\/h2>

Cesarean birth is generally safe, but as with any surgery, risks exist. Most individuals recover well with proper postoperative care.3<\/sup><\/p>

Potential complications include:<\/p>