There are variations that can complicate the 3rd and 4th stages of labour. Having some knowledge about these possible variations can help prepare you for what may happen and what to expect of your care at the time. Presenting these variations is not designed to scare you, but to prepare you for the 'unknown', as you may need to deal with an unexpected outcome. It may be that you choose not to read them now but revisit them after the birth if they do occur.
Possible variations
There are many possible variations that can occur during the 3rd and 4th stages of after the birth. If you wish to read about these variations you can click on the appropriate heading below.
Fainting after the birth - A 'vasovagal'
Difficulty passing urine
Vulval or perineal haematomas
Anal fissures
Occasional variations
The following are two occasional variations of the 3rd and 4th stages of labour. If you are interested in reading about them you can click on the headings below.
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)
Retained placenta and manual removal of the placenta (MROP)
Rare variations
The following are a couple of rare variations of the 3rd and 4th stage. If you do not wish to read about them before the birth of your baby, then they may be beneficial to go over as part of your debriefing, if they end up being an unexpected part of the birth experience.
3rd and 4th degree tears
Uterine inversion