XV: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium

O60-O75: Complications of labour and delivery

Complications of labour and delivery include a variety of conditions that can occur during childbirth. These complications can arise due to various factors such as the position of the baby, the health of the mother or the baby, or the length of the labour. Some common complications include prolonged labour, distress of the baby, heavy bleeding in the mother, or issues with the placenta or umbilical cord. They may present through signs like unusual discomfort, less movement from the baby, irregular contractions, or abnormally prolonged labour. These complications can potentially impact both the respiratory and circulatory systems of the mother and the baby. They typically unfold during the process of labour and delivery, and their progression can often be influenced by the actions taken by the medical team handling the delivery. While the accurate timing and causes can vary widely, these conditions all fall into the category of complications related to labour and delivery.