Editing Childbirth (section)

==Complications==
{{Main articles|Complications of pregnancy}}
{{See also|Pre-existing disease in pregnancy|High-risk pregnancy}}

===Labour and delivery complications===
{{Main|Obstetric labour complication}}

====Obstructed labour====

{{Main|Obstructed labour}}
[[Obstructed labour]] also called "dysfunctional labour" or "labour dystocia", is difficult labour or abnormally slow progress of labour, involving progressive cervical dilatation or lack of descent of the fetus. The second stage of labour may be delayed or lengthy due to poor or uncoordinated uterine action, an abnormal uterine position such as [[breech birth|breech]] or [[shoulder dystocia]], and cephalopelvic disproportion (a small pelvis or large infant).  Prolonged labour may result in maternal exhaustion, fetal distress, and other complications including [[obstetric fistula]].<ref name=WHO2008S2>{{cite book|title=Education material for teachers of midwifery: midwifery education modules|date=2008|publisher=World Health Organisation|location=Geneva |isbn=978-9241546669|pages=38–44|edition=2nd|url=http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2008/9789241546669_4_eng.pdf?ua=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221002801/http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2008/9789241546669_4_eng.pdf?ua=1|archive-date=21 February 2015}}</ref>

====Eclampsia====
{{Main|Eclampsia}}

[[Eclampsia]] is the onset of seizures (convulsions) in a woman with [[pre-eclampsia]]. Pre-eclampsia is a disorder of pregnancy in which there is high blood pressure and either large amounts of protein in the urine or other organ dysfunction. Pre-eclampsia is routinely screened for during prenatal care.  Onset may be before, during, or rarely, after delivery. Around 1% of women with eclampsia die.{{medical citation needed|date=March 2021}}

===Maternal complications===
{{Main|Puerperal disorder}}
A puerperal disorder or postpartum disorder is a complication which presents primarily during the puerperium, or postpartum period. The postpartum period can be divided into three distinct stages; the initial or acute phase, six to 12 hours after childbirth; subacute postpartum period, which lasts two to six weeks, and the delayed postpartum period, which can last up to six months.  In the subacute postpartum period, 87% to 94% of women report at least one health problem.<ref name="Glazener_1995">{{cite journal | vauthors = Glazener CM, Abdalla M, Stroud P, Naji S, Templeton A, Russell IT | title = Postnatal maternal morbidity: extent, causes, prevention and treatment | journal = British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology | volume = 102 | issue = 4 | pages = 282–87 | date = April 1995 | pmid = 7612509 | doi = 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1995.tb09132.x | s2cid = 38872754 }}</ref><ref name="Thompson_2002">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thompson JF, Roberts CL, Currie M, Ellwood DA | title = Prevalence and persistence of health problems after childbirth: associations with parity and method of birth | journal = Birth | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 83–94 | date = June 2002 | pmid = 12051189 | doi = 10.1046/j.1523-536X.2002.00167.x }}</ref> Long-term health problems (persisting after the delayed postpartum period) are reported by 31% of women.<ref name="Borders_2006">{{cite journal | vauthors = Borders N | title = After the afterbirth: a critical review of postpartum health relative to method of delivery | journal = Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health | volume = 51 | issue = 4 | pages = 242–48 | date = 2006 | pmid = 16814217 | doi = 10.1016/j.jmwh.2005.10.014 }}</ref>

====Postpartum bleeding====

{{Main|Postpartum bleeding}}

Bleeding (haemorrhage) is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide accounting for approximately 27.1% of maternal deaths.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last1=Say |first1=Lale |last2=Chou |first2=Doris |last3=Gemmill |first3=Alison |last4=Tunçalp |first4=Özge |last5=Moller |first5=Ann-Beth |last6=Daniels |first6=Jane |last7=Gülmezoglu |first7=A. Metin |last8=Temmerman |first8=Marleen |last9=Alkema |first9=Leontine |date=1 June 2014 |title=Global causes of maternal death: a WHO systematic analysis |journal=The Lancet Global Health |language=English |volume=2 |issue=6 |pages=e323–e333 |doi=10.1016/S2214-109X(14)70227-X |issn=2214-109X |pmid=25103301|s2cid=8706769 |doi-access=free |hdl=1854/LU-5796925 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Within maternal deaths due to haemorrhage, two-thirds are caused by postpartum haemorrhage.<ref name=":8" /> The causes of [[Postpartum bleeding|postpartum haemorrhage]] can be separated into four main categories: tone, trauma, tissue, and thrombin. Tone represents [[uterine atony]], the failure of the uterus to contract adequately following delivery. Trauma includes lacerations or uterine rupture. Tissue includes conditions that can lead to a retained placenta. [[Thrombin]], which is a molecule used in the human body's blood clotting system, represents all coagulopathies.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bienstock |first1=Jessica L. |last2=Eke |first2=Ahizechukwu C. |last3=Hueppchen |first3=Nancy A. |date=29 April 2021 |title=Postpartum Hemorrhage |journal=The New England Journal of Medicine |volume=384 |issue=17 |pages=1635–1645 |doi=10.1056/NEJMra1513247 |issn=1533-4406 |pmid=33913640 |pmc=10181876 |s2cid=233447661 }}</ref>

====Postpartum infections====
{{Main|Postpartum infections}}
[[Postpartum infections]], also historically known as childbed fever and medically as puerperal fever, are any bacterial infections of the reproductive tract following childbirth or miscarriage.  Signs and symptoms usually include a fever greater than 38.0&nbsp;°C (100.4&nbsp;°F), chills, lower abdominal pain, and possibly bad-smelling vaginal discharge.  The infection usually occurs after the first 24 hours and within the first ten days following delivery.  Infection remains a major cause of maternal deaths and morbidity in the [[Developing country|developing world]].<ref name="W2014">{{cite book |title=Williams Obstetrics |date=2014 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional |isbn=978-0-07-179893-8 |edition=24th |pages=Chapter 37 |chapter=37}}</ref>

====Psychological complications====
{{Main|Psychiatric disorders of childbirth|Postpartum psychosis|Postpartum depression|Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder|Maternity blues}}

Childbirth can be an intense event and strong emotions, both positive and negative, can be brought to the surface. Abnormal and persistent fear of childbirth is known as [[tokophobia]]. The prevalence of fear of childbirth around the world ranges between 4–25%, with 3–7% of pregnant women having clinical fear of childbirth.<ref name="pmid26124521">{{cite journal | vauthors = Jaju S, Al Kharusi L, Gowri V | title = Antenatal prevalence of fear associated with childbirth and depressed mood in primigravid women | journal = Indian Journal of Psychiatry | volume = 57 | issue = 2 | pages = 158–61 | date = 2015 | pmid = 26124521 | pmc = 4462784 | doi = 10.4103/0019-5545.158152 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref name="pmid25200969">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lukasse M, Schei B, Ryding EL | title = Prevalence and associated factors of fear of childbirth in six European countries | journal = Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare | volume = 5 | issue = 3 | pages = 99–106 | date = October 2014 | pmid = 25200969 | doi = 10.1016/j.srhc.2014.06.007 | hdl = 10642/2246 | hdl-access = free }}</ref>
Although pain may be seen as a self-evident and indisputable fact, in reality pain is only one sensation of childbirth. There are many other sensations such as bliss, joy and satisfaction which can be more powerful than pain. Negative expectations can actually increase sensitivity to pain through the process of [[nocebo]] [[hyperalgesia]]. At the same time positive expectations can reduce pain through [[placebo]] [[Pain management|analgesia]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Carlino |first1=Elisa |last2=Frisaldi |first2=Elisa |last3=Benedetti |first3=Fabrizio |title=Pain and the Context |journal=Nature Reviews Rheumatology |date=June 2014 |volume=10 |issue=6 |pages=348–355 |doi=10.1038/nrrheum.2014.17 |pmid=24567065 |url=https://rdcu.be/dFdFi}}</ref>

Most new mothers may experience mild feelings of unhappiness and worry after giving birth.  Babies require a lot of care, so it is normal for mothers to be worried about, or tired from, providing that care.  The feelings, often termed the [[Maternity blues|"baby blues"]], affect up to 80% of mothers.  They are somewhat mild, last a week or two, and usually go away on their own.<ref name="Postpartum Depression Facts">{{cite web|title=Postpartum Depression Facts|url=https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml|website=National Institute of Mental Health|access-date=4 May 2018|archive-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621200731/https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/postpartum-depression-facts/index.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Postpartum depression]] is different from the "baby blues".  With postpartum depression, feelings of sadness and anxiety can be extreme and might interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself or her family. Because of the severity of the symptoms, postpartum depression usually requires treatment. The condition, which occurs in nearly 15% of births, may begin shortly before or any time after childbirth, but commonly begins between a week and a month after delivery.<ref name="Postpartum Depression Facts"/>

[[Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder]] is a psychological disorder that can develop in women who have recently given birth.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lapp LK, Agbokou C, Peretti CS, Ferreri F | title = Management of post traumatic stress disorder after childbirth: a review | journal = Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology | volume = 31 | issue = 3 | pages = 113–22 | date = September 2010 | pmid = 20653342 | doi = 10.3109/0167482X.2010.503330 | s2cid = 23594561 }}</ref><ref name=Condon2010>{{cite journal | vauthors = Condon J | title = Women's mental health: a "wish-list" for the DSM V | journal = Archives of Women's Mental Health | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 5–10 | date = February 2010 | pmid = 20127444 | doi = 10.1007/s00737-009-0114-1 | s2cid = 1102994 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last = Martin | first = Colin | name-list-style = vanc | title = Perinatal Mental Health: a Clinical Guide | publisher = M & K Pub | location = Cumbria England | year = 2012 | isbn = 978-1907830495 | page = 26}}</ref> Causes include issues such as an emergency C-section, preterm labour, inadequate care during labour,
lack of social support following childbirth, and others.  Examples of symptoms include [[intrusive thoughts|intrusive symptoms]], [[Flashback (psychology)|flashbacks]] and [[nightmare]]s, as well as symptoms of [[avoidance coping|avoidance]] (including [[amnesia]] for the whole or parts of the event), problems in developing a [[Maternal bond|mother-child attachment]], and others similar to those commonly experienced in [[posttraumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD).  Many women who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD after childbirth are misdiagnosed with postpartum depression or [[adjustment disorder]]s.  These diagnoses can lead to inadequate treatment.<ref name=Alder2006>{{cite journal | vauthors = Alder J, Stadlmayr W, Tschudin S, Bitzer J | title = Post-traumatic symptoms after childbirth: what should we offer? | journal = Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology | volume = 27 | issue = 2 | pages = 107–12 | date = June 2006 | pmid = 16808085 | doi = 10.1080/01674820600714632 | s2cid = 21859634 }}</ref>

[[Postpartum psychosis]] is a rare [[Emergency psychiatry|psychiatric emergency]] in which symptoms of high mood and racing thoughts ([[mania]]), depression, severe confusion, loss of inhibition, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions set in, beginning suddenly in the first two weeks after childbirth. The symptoms vary and can change quickly.<ref name=LancetRev2014>{{cite journal | vauthors = Jones I, Chandra PS, Dazzan P, Howard LM | title = Bipolar disorder, affective psychosis, and schizophrenia in pregnancy and the post-partum period | journal = Lancet | volume = 384 | issue = 9956 | pages = 1789–99 | date = November 2014 | pmid = 25455249 | doi = 10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61278-2 | s2cid = 44481055 }}</ref> It usually requires hospitalisation. The most severe symptoms last from two to 12 weeks, and recovery takes six months to a year.<ref name=LancetRev2014/>

===Fetal complications===
[[File:Bumm 84 lg.jpg|thumb|Mechanical fetal injury may be caused by improper rotation of the fetus.]]
Five causes make up about 80% of newborn deaths globally: [[Preterm birth|prematurity]], [[Low birth weight|low-birth-weight]], infections, [[Perinatal asphyxia|lack of oxygen at birth]], and [[Birth trauma (physical)|trauma during birth]].<ref name=WHO2018New/>

====Stillbirth====
{{Main|Stillbirth}}
Stillbirth is typically defined as [[fetus|fetal]] death at or after 20 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.<ref name=NIH2014Def>{{cite web|title=Stillbirth: Overview|url=https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stillbirth/Pages/default.aspx|website=NICHD|access-date=4 October 2016|date=23 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005085055/https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stillbirth/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date=5 October 2016}}</ref><ref name="WHO2016">{{Cite web |title=Stillbirths |url=https://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/epidemiology/stillbirth/en/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002035346/http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/epidemiology/stillbirth/en/ |archive-date=2 October 2016 |access-date=29 September 2016 |website=World Health Organization |language=en-GB}}</ref> It results in a baby born without [[vital signs|signs of life]].<ref name=WHO2016/>

Worldwide prevention of most stillbirths is possible with improved health systems.<ref name=WHO2016/><ref name=Lancet2016>{{cite journal|title=Ending preventable stillbirths An Executive Summary for The Lancet's Series|journal=The Lancet|date=Jan 2016|url=http://www.thelancet.com/pb/assets/raw/Lancet/stories/series/stillbirths2016-exec-summ.pdf|access-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712154237/http://www.thelancet.com/pb/assets/raw/Lancet/stories/series/stillbirths2016-exec-summ.pdf|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> About half of stillbirths occur during childbirth, and stillbirth is more common in the [[developing world|developing]] than [[developed world]].<ref name=WHO2016/> Otherwise depending on how far along the pregnancy is, [[induction of labor|medications may be used to start labour]] or a type of surgery known as [[dilation and evacuation]] may be carried out.<ref name=NIH2014Tx>{{cite web|title=How do health care providers manage stillbirth?|url=https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stillbirth/topicinfo/Pages/managed.aspx|website=NICHD|access-date=4 October 2016|date=23 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005133645/https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stillbirth/topicinfo/Pages/managed.aspx|archive-date=5 October 2016}}</ref> Following a stillbirth, women are at higher risk of another one; however, most subsequent pregnancies do not have similar problems.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stillbirth: Other FAQs|url=https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stillbirth/topicinfo/Pages/questions.aspx|website=NICHD|access-date=4 October 2016|date=23 September 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005133552/https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stillbirth/topicinfo/Pages/questions.aspx|archive-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>

Worldwide in 2019 there were about 2 million stillbirths that occurred after 28 weeks of pregnancy, this equates to 1 in 72 total births or one every 16 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stillbirths and stillbirth rates |url=https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/stillbirths/ |access-date=24 June 2022 |website=UNICEF DATA |language=en-US |archive-date=9 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909023831/https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/stillbirths/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Still births are more common in [[South Asia]] and [[Sub-Saharan Africa]].<ref name=WHO2016/> Stillbirth rates have declined, though more slowly since the 2000s.<ref name=Dra2016>{{Cite journal|last1=Draper|first1=Elizabeth S.|last2=Manktelow|first2=Bradley N.|last3=Smith|first3=Lucy|last4=Rubayet|first4=Sayed|last5=Hirst|first5=Jane|last6=Neuman|first6=Melissa|last7=King|first7=Carina|last8=Osrin|first8=David|last9=Prost|first9=Audrey|date=6 February 2016|title=Stillbirths: rates, risk factors, and acceleration towards 2030|journal=The Lancet|language=en|volume=387|issue=10018|pages=587–603|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00837-5|issn=0140-6736|pmid=26794078|doi-access=free}}</ref>

====Preterm birth====
{{Main|Preterm birth}}
Preterm birth is the birth of an infant at fewer than 37 weeks [[Gestational age (obstetrics)|gestational age]]. Globally, about 15 million infants were born [[preterm|before 37 weeks of gestation]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 2015 |title=Preterm birth Fact sheet N°363 |url=https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs363/en/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307050438/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs363/en/ |archive-date=7 March 2015 |access-date=30 July 2016 |website=WHO}}</ref> Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under five years of age though many that survive experience disabilities including learning defects and visual and hearing problems. Causes for early birth may be unknown or may be related to certain chronic conditions such as diabetes, infections, and other known causes.  The World Health Organization has developed guidelines with recommendations to improve the chances of survival and health outcomes for preterm infants.<ref>{{cite web|title=Preterm Birth|url=https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth|website=World Health Organization|access-date=26 April 2018|archive-date=7 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307050438/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs363/en/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":15">{{Cite journal |last1=Tsatsaris |first1=Vassilis |last2=Cabrol |first2=Dominique |last3=Carbonne |first3=Bruno |date=2004 |title=Pharmacokinetics of tocolytic agents |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15509182 |journal=Clinical Pharmacokinetics |volume=43 |issue=13 |pages=833–844 |doi=10.2165/00003088-200443130-00001 |issn=0312-5963 |pmid=15509182 |s2cid=43377674 |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=12 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912174616/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15509182/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

If a pregnant woman enters preterm labour, delivery can be delayed by giving medications called [[tocolytics]]. Tocolytics delay labour by inhibiting contractions of the uterine muscles that progress labour. The most widely used tocolytics include beta agonists, calcium channel blockers, and magnesium sulfate. The goal of administering tocolytics is not to delay delivery to the point that the child can be delivered at term, but instead to postponing delivery long enough for the administration of [[glucocorticoids]] which can help the fetal lungs to mature enough to reduce morbidity and mortality from [[Hyaline membrane disease|infant respiratory distress syndrome]].<ref name=":15" />

==== Post-term birth ====
{{Main|Postterm pregnancy}}
The term postterm pregnancy is used to describe a condition in which a woman has not yet delivered her baby after 42 weeks of [[gestation]], two weeks beyond the usual 40-week duration of pregnancy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec19/ch272/ch272f.html |title=Postmature Infant |access-date=6 October 2008 |last=Kendig |first=James W |date=March 2007 |work=The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library |archive-date=20 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820014059/http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec19/ch272/ch272f.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Postmature births carry risks for both the mother and the baby, including [[meconium aspiration syndrome]], fetal malnutrition, and [[stillbirths]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Muglu |first1=J |last2=Rather |first2=H |last3=Arroyo-Manzano |first3=D |last4=Bhattacharya |first4=S |last5=Balchin |first5=I |last6=Khalil |first6=A |last7=Thilaganathan |first7=B |last8=Khan |first8=KS |last9=Zamora |first9=J |last10=Thangaratinam |first10=S |title=Risks of stillbirth and neonatal death with advancing gestation at term: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of 15 million pregnancies. |journal=PLOS Medicine |date=July 2019 |volume=16 |issue=7 |pages=e1002838 |doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002838 |pmid=31265456|pmc=6605635 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The [[placenta]], which supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients, begins to age and will eventually fail after the 42nd week of gestation. Induced labour is indicated for postterm pregnancy.<ref name=":03">{{Cite journal |date=August 2014 |title=Practice Bulletin No. 146: Management of Late-Term and Postterm Pregnancies |url=https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2014/08000/Practice_Bulletin_No__146__Management_of_Late_Term.34.aspx |journal=Obstetrics & Gynecology |language=en-US |volume=124 |issue=2 PART 1 |pages=390–396 |doi=10.1097/01.AOG.0000452744.06088.48 |pmid=25050770 |s2cid=7149045 |issn=0029-7844 |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911182548/https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2014/08000/Practice_Bulletin_No__146__Management_of_Late_Term.34.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite journal |last=Neff |first=Matthew J. |date=1 December 2004 |title=ACOG Releases Guidelines on Management of Post-term Pregnancy |url=https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/1201/p2221.html |journal=American Family Physician |language=en-US |volume=70 |issue=11 |pages=2221–2225 |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911182540/https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/1201/p2221.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Mary |last2=Fontaine |first2=Patricia |date=1 August 2014 |title=Common Questions About Late-Term and Postterm Pregnancy |url=https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0801/p160.html |journal=American Family Physician |language=en-US |volume=90 |issue=3 |pages=160–165 |pmid=25077721 |access-date=12 September 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911182537/https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2014/0801/p160.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Neonatal infection====
{{Main|Neonatal infection}}
[[File:Neonatal infections and other (perinatal) conditions world map - DALY - WHO2004.svg|thumb|[[Disability-adjusted life year]] for neonatal infections and other (perinatal) conditions per 100,000&nbsp;inhabitants in 2004. Excludes [[preterm birth|prematurity]] and low birth weight, [[birth asphyxia]] and [[birth trauma (physical)|birth trauma]] which have their own maps/data.<ref>{{cite web |title= Mortality and Burden of Disease Estimates for WHO Member States in 2004 |url= https://www.who.int/entity/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/gbddeathdalycountryestimates2004.xls |format= xls |publisher= Department of Measurement and Health Information, World Health Organization |date= February 2009 |access-date= 4 October 2020 |archive-date= 28 August 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210828123901/https://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/gbddeathdalycountryestimates2004.xls |url-status= live }}</ref>{{Div col|small=yes|colwidth=10em}}
{{legend|#b3b3b3|no data}}
{{legend|#ffff65|less than 150}}
{{legend|#fff200|150–300}}
{{legend|#ffdc00|300–450}}
{{legend|#ffc600|450–600}}
{{legend|#ffb000|600–750}}
{{legend|#ff9a00|750–900}}
{{legend|#ff8400|900–1050}}
{{legend|#ff6e00|1050–1200}}
{{legend|#ff5800|1200–1350}}
{{legend|#ff4200|1350–1500}}
{{legend|#ff2c00|1500–1850}}
{{legend|#cb0000|more than 1850}}
{{div col end}}]]

Newborns are prone to infection in the first month of life. The [[pathogenic bacterium]] ''[[Streptococcus agalactiae]]'' (a group B streptococcus) is most often the cause of these occasionally fatal infections. The baby contracts the infection [[Vertical transmission|from the mother]] during labour. In 2014 it was estimated that about one in 2000 newborn babies had a group B streptococcuss infection within the first week of life, usually evident as [[respiratory disease]], general [[sepsis]], or [[meningitis]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ohlsson A, Shah VS | title = Intrapartum antibiotics for known maternal Group B streptococcal colonization | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 6 | pages = CD007467 | date = June 2014 | volume = 2016 | pmid = 24915629 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD007467.pub4 | s2cid = 205189572 }}</ref>

Untreated [[sexually transmitted infections]] (STIs) are associated with [[birth defect]]s, and infections in newborn babies, particularly in the areas where rates of infection remain high. The majority of STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms that may not be recognised.  Mortality rates resulting from some infections may be high, for example the overall perinatal mortality rate associated with untreated syphilis is 30%.<ref name="WHO-STI">{{cite web |title= Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |url=https://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/ |volume= Fact sheet 110 |date= May 2013 |access-date= 30 August 2013 |publisher= World Health Organization |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141125133056/http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/ |archive-date= 25 November 2014 }}</ref>

====Perinatal asphyxia====
{{Main|Perinatal asphyxia}}

[[Perinatal asphyxia]] is the medical condition resulting from [[Hypoxia (medical)|deprivation of oxygen]] to a newborn infant that lasts long enough during the birth process to cause physical harm.<ref name="ReferenceA" /> Hypoxic damage can also occur to most of the infant's organs ([[heart]], [[lung]]s, [[liver]], [[Gut (zoology)|gut]], [[kidneys]]), but [[brain damage]] is of most concern and perhaps the least likely to quickly or completely heal.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite journal | vauthors = van Handel M, Swaab H, de Vries LS, Jongmans MJ | title = Long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences of neonatal encephalopathy following perinatal asphyxia: a review | journal = European Journal of Pediatrics | volume = 166 | issue = 7 | pages = 645–54 | date = July 2007 | pmid = 17426984 | pmc = 1914268 | doi = 10.1007/s00431-007-0437-8 }}</ref> Oxygen deprivation can lead to permanent disabilities in the child, such as [[cerebral palsy]].<ref>{{Citation |last1=Marret |first1=Stéphane |title=Chapter 16 - Pathophysiology of cerebral palsy |date=1 January 2013 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444528919000166 |journal=Handbook of Clinical Neurology |volume=111 |pages=169–176 |editor-last=Dulac |editor-first=Olivier |series=Pediatric Neurology Part I |publisher=Elsevier |language=en |access-date=28 July 2022 |last2=Vanhulle |first2=Catherine |last3=Laquerriere |first3=Annie |doi=10.1016/B978-0-444-52891-9.00016-6 |pmid=23622161 |isbn=9780444528919 |editor2-last=Lassonde |editor2-first=Maryse |editor3-last=Sarnat |editor3-first=Harvey B.}}</ref>

====Mechanical fetal injury====
{{Main|Birth trauma (physical)}}
Risk factors for fetal birth injury include [[fetal macrosomia]] (big baby), [[maternal obesity]], the need for instrumental delivery, and an inexperienced attendant. Specific situations that can contribute to birth injury include breech presentation and [[shoulder dystocia]]. Most fetal birth injuries resolve without long term harm, but [[brachial plexus injury]] may lead to [[Erb's palsy]] or [[Klumpke's paralysis]].<ref name="GraysAnatomy35th1046">{{cite book| title=Gray's Anatomy | veditors = Warwick R, Williams PL | edition=35th British| publisher= Longman |location=London|year=1973 |page=1046 |isbn=978-0443010118 <!-- isbn for publication in Philadelphia by Saunders same edition, page not verified -->| title-link=Gray's Anatomy }}</ref>