Bleeding during birth

A small amount of blood loss is completely normal during any birth. Did you know that a woman can lose as much as 15% of her blood during childbirth without her blood count dropping or becoming anemic?

Heavier bleeding can be a serious risk. They can be caused mainly by placental complications.

Premature placental detachment from the uterine wall or a placenta lying in front of the cervix (placenta praevia) are usually the cause.

Since placenta praevia is usually detected during an ultrasound examination, in most cases it is diagnosed before the onset of labor. Delivery should then – as a precaution – be by cesarean section.

Heavy bleeding during labor is therefore more likely to be due to premature placental abruption. In case of heavy bleeding, a blood transfusion is sometimes necessary.

Mild bleeding should be observed and, in particular, the amount of bleeding, the baby’s heart sounds, and the progress of labor should be carefully monitored.

Placental complications

Complications during delivery caused by the placenta can be very dangerous for both you and your baby.

Premature placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from your uterine wall before you deliver. A cesarean section will also be performed, otherwise your baby could go into oxygen deprivation.

Pelvic end or breech presentation

Normally, your baby is born head first. If your baby has not moved head down in the last 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will probably remain in the breech position until birth.

He or she will then sit cross-legged on your cervix, so to speak. This happens in about 2 to 3% of all births.

These factors can Breech presentation lead to

Birth with a suction cup

In a suction cup birth – also known as vacuum extraction – a flat, cup-shaped suction cup is placed on your baby’s scalp.

The vacuum extractor applies a gentle suction to the head. This gently pulls your baby out of the vagina. The birth is slower this way, making a vaginal tear less likely.

Forceps birth

Forceps consist of two curved metal spoons that are carefully inserted into your vagina and gently guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal.

Forceps can only be used after the opening stage, when your cervix is fully dilated. Forceps birth often leaves red marks on the sides of your skull, but they soon disappear.

What happens to the baby