Delivery complications

Delivery usually goes smoothly. Occasionally, though, there may be complications. Something unforeseen my happen once labour has started, meaning that forceps or a vacuum extractor have to be used. Other special deliveries, such as multiple and breech births, are usually diagnosed well in advance.

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  Sudden birth

  Sometimes labour is so quick that your baby is born before you can get medical assistance. The following information is not intended to be used as a guide for an out-of-hospital birth without a professional attendant, as this can be very risky. It's reassuring, though, that there are rarely...
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  Complications at delivery

  If, as sometimes happens, labour and delivery don't go quite as smoothly as expected, your obstetrician may need to give you some help to complete a vaginal delivery. Forceps can be used to protect your baby's head or, along with vacuum extraction, may be used to speed your baby's progress...
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  If a baby dies

  Today, in the Western world, the number of babies who are stillborn after 24 weeks or who die within the first few weeks of life has fallen to about one per cent, largely thanks to improved obstetric and paediatric care.
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  Abnormal presentation

  Abnormal presentation is any deviation from the normal position of the fetus for delivery.
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  Postpartum haemorrhage

  Postpartum haemorrhage is an excessive loss of blood immediately after delivery of a baby or in the first few weeks following childbirth.
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  Problems during delivery

  This article looks at any problem that prolongs the second stage of labour or prevents normal delivery.
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  Stillbirth

  A stillbirth is the delivery of a dead fetus after week 24 of pregnancy. Before 24 weeks, it is considered a miscarriage.
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  What you should know about breech birth

  Your due date is nearing but your baby has not yet decided to turn round to the head-down position? This could be because there isn’t enough room for him to turn, so you may be in for a breech birth. But don’t panic, your doctor or midwife will advise you to ensure the most comfortable and safe...
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