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What Happens If a Woman Doesn't Push?

Published in Labor Complications 3 mins read

If a woman does not push during the second stage of labor, several complications can arise for both the mother and the baby. A prolonged labor without adequate pushing can lead to a variety of issues.

Risks of Not Pushing During Labor

The act of pushing during labor is crucial for the baby's descent through the birth canal and eventual delivery. When a woman does not push, or pushes inadequately, the following can occur:

For the Mother:

  • Postpartum Hemorrhage: An extended labor without progress, partially caused by a lack of pushing, can increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This is excessive bleeding after birth and a major concern.

    • This is directly supported by the provided reference which states "postpartum haemorrhage may occur after an unduly prolonged labour".
  • Exhaustion: Labor without effective pushing can be physically and emotionally draining.

  • Increased risk of interventions: A prolonged labor can lead to the increased likelihood of interventions such as:

    • Use of forceps or vacuum extraction to assist delivery.
    • Cesarean section, if vaginal delivery does not progress.
  • Infection: A long and difficult labor can also increase the chance of infection.

For the Baby:

  • Fetal Distress: A prolonged labor can lead to fetal distress due to a lack of oxygen and reduced blood flow.
  • Increased risk of injury: The baby can experience complications due to the extended time spent in the birth canal.
  • Increased risk of needing assistance: A baby may need assistance with breathing or resuscitation after delivery.

Why Might a Woman Not Push?

There are various reasons why a woman might not push effectively:

  • Exhaustion: If labor has been long, the mother may simply be too tired to push.
  • Pain: Severe pain may make it difficult to push effectively.
  • Fear: Anxiety or fear can inhibit pushing.
  • Medications: Epidural and other pain medications may dull the sensation to push.
  • Misunderstanding: The mother may not fully understand the instructions on how to push properly.

Solutions and Support

To address challenges with pushing during labor, healthcare providers can:

  • Provide clear instructions and encouragement.
  • Offer pain relief options.
  • Ensure adequate rest and nutrition.
  • Monitor the progress of labor carefully.
  • Consider alternative positions to aid in pushing.
  • Utilize devices like vacuum or forceps if needed.

Conclusion

In summary, not pushing effectively during labor can cause a range of complications for both mother and baby, including the increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress, and other interventions. Effective support and management from healthcare providers are essential.