Several complications can arise during labor, including but not limited to:
- Prolonged labor: Labor lasting more than 20 hours for first-time mothers or 14 hours for women who have given birth before. - Fetal distress: The baby shows signs of distress, usually indicated by an abnormal heart rate. - Umbilical cord prolapse: The umbilical cord slips ahead of the baby, compressing and reducing blood flow. - Shoulder dystocia: The baby's shoulder gets stuck after the head has been delivered. - Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after delivery.
