Complications of 3rd stage of labor.

By | May 15, 2012

 

 

  1. delayed labor
  2. fetal distress
  3. perineal rupture
  4. puerperal sepsis
  5. rectovaginal fistula
  6. labial laceration
  7. physical exhaustion of mother
  8. Genitourinary fistulas.
  9. Trauma to fetal head.
  10. fetal acidosis
  11. shock

 

Delayed labor.

 

Can be avoided by

  • Oxytocin infusion only if cephalopelvic disproportion excluded.
  • Episiotomy if pelvic floor is suspected to cause prolonged labor.
  • Forceps or ventose extraction
  • Performing cesarean section in contracted pelvis

 

Fetal distress

 

  • Avoid prolongation of labor.
  • Correct hypovolemia, hypertensive disorders, cardiac failure, and pulmonary disease of mother before commencement of labor.
  • Avoid overzealous oxytocin infusion.

 

Perineal rupture

Avoid by

  • Timely episiotomy
  • Performing C-Section for macrosomia

 

Uterine rupture

  • Avoid over use of oxytocin
  • Avoid prolonged labor.
  • Careful maintenance of partogran

 

Fetal acidosis.

  • Avoid prolonged labor
  • Avoid maternal dehydration.
  • Avoid maternal physical exhaustion.

 

Trauma to fetal head.

 

  • Use of ventose extractor instead of forceps.
  • Only experienced obstetrician should apply forceps for assisted delivery.

 

Puerperal sepsis

 

Aseptic measures should be applied during delivery

 

Shock

 

Avoid hemorrhage and maintain hemodynamic status.

 

Genitourinary and rectovaginal fistulas.

 

 

 

Avoid prolonged labor and direct trauma during the use of forceps.

 

Laceration

 

Timely episiotomy.

 

Physical exhaustion of mother

 

  • Avoid prolonged labor.
  • Avoid overzealous oxytocin infusion.
  • Avoid dehydration of mother.
  • Avoid maternal ketoacidosis by IV dextrose infusion.