When birth doesn't go to plan
About the placenta – role and complications
The placenta develops inside the uterus (womb) during pregnancy. It gives your baby nutrients and oxygen. Find out more about the placenta here.
Assisted delivery (forceps or ventouse)
Find out about assisted delivery, sometimes called an 'instrumental delivery' — when forceps or a vacuum device are used to help you give birth.
Birth injury (to the baby)
Giving birth in Australia is very safe, but sometimes during birth, the baby suffers an injury. Learn about birth injury causes, types and treatments.
Birth injury (to the mother)
Birth injuries to the mother, such as perineal tears and pelvic floor damage can sometimes occur. Support and treatment is available.
Breech pregnancy
When a baby is positioned bottom-down late in pregnancy, this is called the breech position. Find out about 3 main types and safe birthing options.
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is a procedure that can be done during a vaginal birth. Read about when and why an episiotomy may be needed and recovery.
Having a caesarean
A caesarean section is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut in your abdomen and uterus. It might be planned or an emergency procedure.
Interventions during labour
An 'intervention' is an action taken by a midwife or doctor to help you birth your baby safely.
Induced labour
Induction of labour is when labour is started with medical treatment. Read about the reasons why you may be induced and the different methods used.
Malpresentation
Malpresentation is when your baby is in an unusual position as the birth approaches. It may be possible to move the baby, but a caesarean may be safer...
Overdue
Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of your last period, but some pregnancies go longer and this is known as ‘being overdue’.
Postpartum haemorrhage
Postpartum haemorrhage is when you bleed more than usual after giving birth. It can be very serious and requires medical attention right away.
Premature baby
Preterm labour is when you go into labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Find out about having a premature baby and the extra care your baby may need.
Shoulder dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is when a baby's shoulder gets stuck during childbirth. Read more about shoulder dystocia, including causes and treatments.
Stretch and sweep
A ‘stretch and sweep’ or ‘membrane sweep’ is a relatively gentle way of trying to start labour. Find out what it involves and its benefits and risks.
Traumatic childbirth experience
Birth trauma affects many parents, but support and treatment are available. Find out more about psychological birth trauma and how to get help.
Waters breaking early
Usually, your waters break when your baby is ready to be born. Sometimes the waters break early. This is known as preterm prelabour rupture of membran...
Umbilical cord prolapse
Umbilical cord prolapse is when your waters break and the umbilical cord enters your vagina. This medical emergency risks your baby’s oxygen supply.