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WARNING: Be aware that the following information describes a rare complication that some readers may find disturbing. You may wish to skip this next section. |
In rare circumstances the woman can experience what is called a 'vasovagal episode' (also known as a vasovagal attack or syncope, meaning 'passing out') after giving birth. This can initially be mistaken for her fainting but within seconds can resemble something more serious, in that she will seem like she is not breathing and is looking blue in colour, but will then 'come too' and recover quite quickly.
This dramatic reaction of the body is normally a temporary response to stimulation of the vagus nerve through rapid dilation of the woman's cervix or a blood clot sitting inside the cervix after the birth. The woman will start to look pale and sweaty, feel nauseated and faint. Her pulse will slow right down below normal (called a bradycardia) and her blood pressure drops very low. At this point she can momentarily lose consciousness (pass out), look blue and appear not to be breathing. In most cases the episode will only last for 30 seconds to a minute, and then she will come too, behaving normally.
As you can imagine this can be quite scary to watch for the partner or support person (and even the caregiver) and disorientating for the woman as she regains her awareness. Some women know that they tend to experience vasovagal episodes, for example from a previous birth or if they have had an intrauterine contraceptive device inserted in the past. If this is the case you should let your caregiver know so that they are aware of that possibility.