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Understanding Complications in Labor
What if labor doesn't start on its own?When pregnancy goes beyond 40 weeks, labor is considered overdue. If the date of conception was not calculated correctly, your labor may not be overdue at all. And some women have longer pregnancies and give birth safely at 42 weeks. At 41 weeks your health care provider may want to conduct certain tests like a biophysical profile (a special ultrasound scan) to make sure the baby is continuing to get oxygen and nutrients through the placenta. Depending on the circumstances, your health care provider may recommend waiting for your labor to start on its own, or recommend inducing your labor. Labor can be induced in several ways, including natural methods like nipple stimulation, or artificial methods like rupturing the membranes (a painless procedure that pierces the amniotic sac), or administering drugs to stimulate contractions. If you find yourself in this situation, ask your health care provider to inform you about the risks and benefits associated with induction, and the alternatives to induction and their risks and benefits, including waiting for labor to start on its own.How do I know if I need a cesarean?A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery and involves many risks to mothers and babies. The best research shows that unless there is a clear, compelling medical need for a cesarean section, vaginal birth is the safest way for women to give birth and babies to be born. In a small number of cases, an emergency cesarean is needed for a situation that poses immediate danger to the life of a mother and/or her baby. In such a situation the benefits of the surgery may outweigh the risks.The most common reasons for having a cesarean include:
Other less common reasons for having a cesarean include:
If you are not in labor, you will have plenty of time to talk to your health care provider and do your own research before making your decision whether to consent to a cesarean. For more information on reasons for cesareans, the benefits and risks of cesarean birth versus vaginal birth, and practical tips to avoid unnecessary cesareans, download a free copy of the consumer booklet, What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Section. Most recent page update: 9/9/2010
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Childbirth Connection is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1918 as Maternity Center Association. Our mission is to improve the quality and value of maternity care through consumer engagement and health system transformation. Childbirth Connection promotes safe, effective and satisfying evidence-based maternity care and is a voice for the needs and interests of childbearing families. |
News and Features
Listening to MothersSM III is the third national
survey exploring women’s experiences in pregnancy and childbirth.
Commissioned by Childbirth Connection, conducted by Harris Interactive, and
funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the survey polled 2,400 women who gave
birth in U.S. hospitals from 2011 to 2012. Results show that medically
intensive experiences are typical, and evidence-based practices are
underutilized. Childbearing women need better support and knowledge to
navigate their maternity care.
Access the full report and supplementary materials  New Report: Maternity Care and Liability Go to report and supporting materials New Report: The Cost of Having a Baby in the United States Go to report and supporting materials New Cesarean Resources: Go to Best Evidence Report Go to web pages and booklet for women 
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