P03: Fetus and newborn affected by other complications of labour and delivery

P03.6: Fetus and newborn affected by abnormal uterine contractions

During labor, the muscles of the uterus contract. During the birth contractions push the child out of the uterus. Contractions take place mainly towards the end of the pregnancy and during childbirth.

Contractions may proceed in different ways to the usual one. For example, the contractions may be too severe or the womb may be persistently tight. The contractions may be irregular, or they can take place too quickly after one another. The contractions can also be too weak.

If the contractions are too weak, too strong, too quick or too irregular, then the labor may not progress as normal. As a result, the child may be inadequately supplied with oxygen. The child's health can be harmed as a result.