Overview
Delivery is the birth of a baby and the placenta at the end of pregnancy. It may occur vaginally or by cesarean birth, depending on how labor progresses and whether there are health concerns for the pregnant person or baby. Labor is often described in stages, including cervical opening, birth of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.
Key Symptoms
Common signs that delivery may be starting include regular contractions that become stronger and closer together, low back pain or pelvic pressure, and rupture of the membranes ('water breaking'). Some people also notice bloody mucus discharge. Labor patterns can vary, so a healthcare professional or birthing facility can help decide when it is time to come in.
Causes and Risk Factors
Delivery is the normal end of pregnancy, but the timing and course of labor can differ. Factors that may affect delivery include the baby's position, multiple pregnancy, prior cesarean birth, high blood pressure, diabetes, infection, bleeding, placental problems, and preterm labor. Limited access to skilled maternity care can also raise the risk of complications.
Who Is Affected
Anyone who is pregnant and reaches labor can be affected by issues related to delivery. Risks may be higher for very young or older pregnant people, those with certain medical conditions, people carrying twins or more, and those with little access to prenatal or emergency obstetric care. Newborns can also be affected by complications during labor and birth.
Prevention
Not all delivery complications can be prevented, but regular prenatal care can lower risks by identifying problems early. Making a birth plan with a healthcare professional, knowing where to go for labor, arranging transport, and understanding warning signs can help. Vaccination, treatment of infections, and management of chronic health conditions during pregnancy are also important.
Diagnosis and Tests
During labor, healthcare professionals assess contractions, cervical opening, the baby's position, and the baby's heart rate. They may check blood pressure, temperature, and bleeding, and may use ultrasound or laboratory tests when needed. These checks help guide decisions about whether vaginal birth is progressing normally or whether extra support is needed.
Treatment Categories
Care during delivery may include support measures, pain relief options, monitoring, assisted vaginal birth in some situations, or cesarean birth when needed. Treatment also includes management of complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, obstructed labor, or fetal distress. After birth, care continues with monitoring of the parent, help with feeding, and newborn assessment.
Living With It
Recovery after delivery is different for each person and depends on the type of birth and whether complications occurred. Vaginal bleeding, cramping, tiredness, and emotional changes can occur in the days and weeks after birth. Follow-up care is important for healing, mental health, contraception planning, and newborn care.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare professional or birthing facility if contractions become regular and stronger, if the water breaks, or if there is concern about reduced fetal movement. Also seek care for fever, severe headache, swelling, vision changes, or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy or after delivery. After birth, ongoing heavy bleeding, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, or signs of infection need prompt medical attention.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get emergency care right away for very heavy bleeding, seizures, severe trouble breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain, or if the baby is not moving normally late in pregnancy. Emergency help is also needed for labor with severe bleeding, a prolapsed cord, or signs that the baby or pregnant person is in distress. In any setting where immediate care is hard to reach, urgent transport planning is critical.