There are some rare variations that can complicate the 2nd stage of the labour. Any intervention needed will depend on the woman's individual circumstances. Though not that commonly experienced, they will be a reality for a few women, and can include:
Difficult birth of the shoulders
Unsuccessful forceps and caesarean
Breech presentation
Face presentation
Heavy bleeding
Difficult birth of shoulders
Occasionally, the baby's head will be born without any problems, but then their shoulders will have some difficulty being born. The medical term for this is 'shoulder dystocia', which can range from mild, moderate to severe, depending on the circumstances. Usually shoulder dystocia can be managed with some careful manipulation on the part or the caregiver and a change of position for the woman.
For more information you may wish to read
difficult birth of shoulders.
Unsuccessful forceps and Caesarean
There sometimes comes the rare circumstance that forceps are tried, but are not successful, meaning that even at this late stage, a Caesarean could still be possible. If the woman is fully dilated and needs to be born relatively soon, then forceps may be attempted. If the caregiver suspects that the use of forceps may not be that straight forward, because the:
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Baby's head is high in the uterus. or |
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Baby's head is engaged, but has not progressed far down the birth canal, or |
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Baby is in a posterior position. |
Then your caregiver may do what is called a 'trial of forceps' in the operating theatre. This is done in case the forceps delivery proves difficult. If attempts are unsuccessful, known as 'failed forceps' then a Caesarean will need to be performed.
For more information you may wish to read
unsuccessful forceps and Caesarean.
Breech presentation