This class will cover intervention commonly used in labor and birth, complications, medications and much more.

The first thing I'd like to talk about is how to define an intervention and complication.

We've spent some time looking at birth with no intervention or assistance and no complications. That means that the picture of birth I've shown you up until this point is without the assistance of medical devices, medications, surgery, etc.

There are times when things do not go as nature intended and complication arise. This is to say that either mom or baby is having a problem with the pregnancy or labor/birth. At that point intervention, be it a medication, a procedure, or surgery, might be employed to make pregnancy/birth easier, less complicated or safer for both mom and baby.

While no one really plans on needing intervention or having complications, their are times and places where problems arise, even when you've take really good care of your body and had supreme care. The good news is that 98% of what might go wrong in labor is predictable in early pregnancy, like blood pressure problems, diabetes history, etc.

What do you think of when someone says intervention?

Interventions

Interventions are sometimes necessary because of complications, however, they are more likely to be used as a matter of policy, either from your place of birth or your practitioner. For example, the use of an IV or fetal monitoring falls into this category. Intervention is not always a bad thing, despite the negative connotation it may have.

You may be willing to accept certain interventions in exchange for things like an epidural (Certain intervention make this safer for mom and baby.), for the convenience of your practitioner or for your own peace of mind.

When are some complications you've heard about?

Complications

You've probably heard of people talking about complication with blood pressure, or fetal distress, perhaps you've heard of problems with the placenta, or diabetes. All of these are potential threats to the health of mom and baby, as well as the possibility of other complications. We will address some of the more common complications that can arise in this class.

More information about specific complications.