Common complications during labor can include prolonged labor, fetal distress, umbilical cord prolapse, and postpartum hemorrhage. Prolonged labor occurs when labor lasts more than 20 hours for first-time mothers or more than 14 hours for women who have given birth before. Fetal distress may be indicated by abnormal heart rate patterns and requires immediate attention. Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare condition where the cord slips into the birth canal before the baby and can be life-threatening. Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive bleeding after delivery and requires prompt medical intervention.
