Abnormalities and complications of labor and delivery should be diagnosed and managed as early as possible.
In pregnancy, intrapartum complications may be caused by known risk factors that precede or begin during the current pregnancy. If a complication is anticipated, prevention or preparation may minimize morbidity.
Some of the following complications can develop or become evident during labor or delivery:
Uterine rupture (rare)
Some complications are emergencies that require delivery to be expedited with operative vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery. Maternal hemodynamic status may need to be supported with fluid resuscitation or blood product transfusion. The neonatal care team should be informed when alternative delivery methods are to be used so they can be ready if neonatal resuscitation is required.
