Complications of labor and delivery

Intrapartum complications include premature rupture of membranes, uterine rupture, amniotic fluid embolism, postpartum hemorrhage, umbilical cord prolapse, and fetal distress. If a cesarean section is performed, other potential complications include injury to surrounding organs (bladder, kidneys, ureters, intestines), placental abruption, incision infection, thromboembolic diseases (pulmonary embolism), intestinal adhesions, intestinal obstruction, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and scar pregnancy. The main intrapartum complications include the following four: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): Spontaneous rupture of the fetal membranes before the onset of labor, which can be classified as term PROM or preterm PROM. Uterine rupture: A tear in the uterine body or lower uterine segment during labor or pregnancy, which is a severe obstetric complication threatening the lives of both mother and baby. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE): During labor, amniotic fluid and its contents enter the mother's bloodstream, leading to pulmonary embolism, shock, coagulopathy, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. It is a rare and extremely severe obstetric complication. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Blood loss exceeding 500 ml within 24 hours after vaginal delivery, or blood loss exceeding 1000 ml after cesarean section.