Complications in birth

I apologise for the brevity of this section. It is a collection of things I have started writing on  and needed to save somewhere, but am busy finishing other articles. Most topics have their own whole article or section in another article, so this one is low on my list to expand. Sorry!

Cord Emergencies/Complications:

 Cord compression 

• Sometimes as baby is squeezed through the birth canal, the cord can get compressed, usually while pushing

• If only briefly, this is not usually an issue, but if the baby has taken a while to emerge, be aware that baby may have had its oxygen supply cut off for a time, and will need extra help to breathe

• If it is known that the cord is compressing, the mother may change positions to try to reduce the pressure

• If the cord has come out before the baby (cord prolapse) you may need to hold open the vagina or cervix while waiting for baby to emerge, to prevent compression. Baby will need to come out asap. 

Cord prolapse

• This is when the cord comes out before the baby, often due to the waters breaking suddenly, or if the baby is breech

• Cord exposed to air can occlude and clamp itself

• The cord can also be compressed in the birth canal by the baby’s head 

• You will need to place the cord immediately back up inside the uterus/vagina as far as possible to prevent occlusion, and the mother should adopt a head down, bum up position if birth is not imminent (less than 3 minutes)

• If you cannot get the cord back inside, wrap it in a warm wet cloth and hold it in such a way as to prevent it being compressed by your hands, or the vaginal canal/baby's head.

•  A freebirther recently intuitively checked herself after her waters broke in active labour. She was surprised to find a prolapsed cord. They immediately transferred by ambulance. When the hospital told her that the baby was stable, but they recommended a C section, she was able to advocate for a vaginal forceps birth. Her early detection and quick, informed thinking helped her be in control of her birth.

• Cord prolapse is a true emergency, please transfer if you cannot give birth, the cord is what gives oxygen to your baby and should not be allowed to stop giving oxygen.

Nuchal cord

• Sometimes the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck, (or torso, or limbs) as it is born, in up to 30% of births, and more

• Not usually an emergency, as a loose nuchal cord does not cause any problems

• If it seems tight, you calmly loosen slightly after the head is born, and unwrap completely if it needs it. Once the baby is born, you can unwrap further.

• However, it is usually best to not touch the cord at all until baby is born.

• Read this great article (https://midwifethinking.com/2015/05/13/nuchal-cords/)