Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms Indicating the Onset of Labour

• Regular and increasing contractions
• Lower abdominal or back pain
• Water breaking (rupture of membranes)
• Bloody show or mucus discharge
• Pressure around the pelvis
• Cervical dilation noticed on examination

Major Causes for Requiring a C-section

• Prolonged or stalled labour
• Fetal distress or abnormal heart rate
• Breech or abnormal fetal position
• Placenta previa or placental issues
• Multiple pregnancy (twins/triplets)
• Cord prolapse
• Previous C-section or uterine surgery
• Maternal conditions like hypertension or diabetes

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Treatments

Treatment and delivery approach depends on the mother’s health, labour progress, and baby’s condition.

• Continuous monitoring of labour progress and fetal heart rate
• Pain relief options such as breathing techniques, epidural, or medications
• Assisted vaginal delivery (forceps/vacuum) if required
• Surgical delivery (C-section) when normal delivery is unsafe
• Postoperative care including wound care and pain management after C-section
• Newborn monitoring immediately after birth

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Prevention

Although not all labour challenges can be prevented, maintaining good maternal health can support a safer delivery.

• Regular prenatal check-ups during pregnancy
• Following a healthy diet and staying physically active
• Taking recommended supplements such as folic acid and iron
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and harmful substances
• Learning breathing and relaxation techniques for labour
• Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and fetal growth
• Discussing delivery plans and previous pregnancy history with your doctor