Complications of Labour 

Taking you through all the key complications during labour. To keep things clearer I have divided them into 3 categories:

• Pre labour 

• During labour 

• Post delivery 

Quick recap of Labour 

Labour may be defined as the onset of regular and painful contractions associated with cervical dilation and descent of the presenting part

Signs of labour

• Regular and painful uterine contractions

• A show (shedding of mucous plug)

• Rupture of the membranes (not always)

• Shortening and dilation of the cervix

3 Stages 

• Stage 1: from the onset of true labour to when the cervix is fully dilated

• Stage 2: from full dilation to delivery of the fetus

• Stage 3: from delivery of fetus to when the placenta and membranes have been completely delivered

All information has been taken from these resources:

• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)

• Teachmeobgyn.com 

• Passmedicine.com

• MSD Manuals