Other common complications of obstructed labour

To summarise briefly, unless it is well managed, obstructed labour can also lead to the following complications in the mother:

• Postpartum haemorrhage (you will learn about this in Study Session 11 in this Module)
• Slow return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size
• Shock (low blood pressure and fast pulse rate)
• The small intestine becomes paralyzed and stops movement (paralytic ileus)
• Sepsis (widespread infection throughout the body)
• Death.

Complications of obstructed labour for the newborn can include:

• Neonatal sepsis
• Convulsions (fits)
• Facial injury
• Severe asphyxia (life-threatening lack of oxygen)
• Death.