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Pregnancy Outcomes · Anonamed
From conception to postpartum – understanding risk, not replacing care.
Pregnancy Outcomes
From conception to postpartum – understanding risk, not replacing care.
Birth Risks section

Birth Risks – labour, birth and immediate outcomes

This companion site focuses on risks around labour and birth – whether vaginal, assisted or caesarean. It looks at what might happen, how teams respond, and which factors increase risk for you and your baby.

Spontaneous labour Induction of labour Assisted birth (forceps / vacuum) Caesarean section Haemorrhage & transfusion Anaesthetic risks
Types of birth

Vaginal, assisted and caesarean birth

Spontaneous vaginal birth
  • Often has the lowest risk of serious complications when pregnancy has been low‑risk.
  • Risks include perineal tears, postpartum haemorrhage and, rarely, shoulder dystocia.
  • Continuous support, mobility and pain relief options can influence the experience.
Induction & assisted vaginal birth
  • Induction (starting labour) may be recommended for medical reasons or if pregnancy continues beyond term.
  • Use of forceps or vacuum can increase the risk of perineal trauma and bruising for the baby.
  • Close monitoring aims to balance risks of ongoing labour against the risks of intervention.
Caesarean section
  • Planned caesarean may be recommended for placenta praevia, some breech presentations or previous complex caesarean.
  • Emergency caesarean may be needed for fetal distress, failure to progress or heavy bleeding.
  • Risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, injury to nearby organs and complications in future pregnancies.
Bleeding & transfusion

Postpartum haemorrhage and related risks

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is heavy bleeding after birth. It can occur after vaginal or caesarean birth and may require urgent treatment, transfusion or surgery. Many hospitals use protocols and drills to respond quickly.

Who is at higher risk?
  • Previous postpartum haemorrhage or retained placenta.
  • Multiple pregnancy, very large baby or prolonged labour.
  • Placenta praevia, placental abruption or infection.
How is PPH managed?
  • Uterine massage and medicines to help the uterus contract.
  • IV fluids, blood tests, blood products and tranexamic acid where appropriate.
  • Procedures in theatre, including suturing, balloon tamponade or, rarely, hysterectomy.
Talking about transfusion
  • For some people, transfusion raises cultural, religious or personal concerns.
  • Discuss preferences and advance directives with your team well before birth if possible.
  • Iron optimisation in pregnancy can reduce the need for transfusion.
Pain relief & anaesthetic risk

Epidural, spinal and general anaesthesia

Anaesthetists work with obstetric teams to provide pain relief and anaesthesia that is as safe as possible for mother and baby. Decisions are influenced by your health, preferences and how the birth unfolds.

Epidural for labour
  • Can provide excellent pain relief while you remain awake and able to participate in birth.
  • Risks include low blood pressure, uneven block, headache and, rarely, nerve damage or infection.
  • Higher BMI, scoliosis or previous spinal surgery can make insertion more technically challenging.
Spinal or epidural for caesarean
  • Allows you to be awake for the birth while your abdomen is numb.
  • Similar risks to epidural, with additional care needed for blood pressure and breathing.
  • In some emergencies, there may be limited time to attempt neuraxial anaesthesia.
General anaesthesia
  • Used when neuraxial anaesthesia is not possible or in very urgent situations.
  • Higher risk of aspiration, airway difficulty and awareness in obstetric patients than in non‑pregnant adults.
  • Pre‑assessment in high‑risk clinics can help plan for difficult airways or other issues.
Emergencies

Serious but uncommon emergencies in labour and birth

Most births are not emergencies. When rare events do occur, maternity teams use rehearsed protocols to protect mother and baby as much as possible.

Fetal distress
  • Changes on the CTG (heart‑rate trace) or very reduced movements may suggest baby is not coping.
  • Options include changing position, fluids, stopping oxytocin or moving towards expedited birth.
Shoulder dystocia & cord prolapse
  • Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck after the head is born.
  • Cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord descends before the baby and can cut off the blood supply.
  • Both require immediate, skilled manoeuvres and often rapid delivery.
Amniotic fluid embolism & other rare events
  • Extremely rare but severe conditions can cause collapse around the time of birth.
  • Resuscitation teams, blood banks and intensive care may become involved.
  • Debriefing and psychological support afterwards are vital for many families.