PLEASE NOTE: It is not necessary that you print these attachments for Women's Health Care Services, P.A. However, you may print them for your own records.

Complications of Continuing Pregnancy (Child Birth)

Risk of maternal death is 9.1 per 100,000 live births.

Possible complications from full term delivery include:

• Major abdominal surgery (Caesarean section) occurs in 20 women out of every 100 births.
• Allergic reactions to anesthetics or other medications.
• Reactions may produce a fever, rash, and discomfort or in rare cases, may be life-threatening.
• Infections. Approximately 4 percent of women become infected after childbirth and must be treated with antibiotics. If not treated, infections may cause infertility or, in rare cases may be life-threatening.
• Heavy bleeding from clotting problems, placental tearing or surgery that requires medical treatment. Fewer than 5 patients of every 100 deliveries will require a transfusion.
• Blood clots. Clots in the lungs are the leading cause of maternal death after a live birth.
• Complications of high blood pressure (stroke, seizures).
• Complications of medication to stop premature labor (fluid in lungs, heart failure).

Women who are more likely to have serious complications during and after pregnancy are those with reduced access to prompt medical care and those with poor general health and living conditions.

Psychological impacts associated with childbirth

Mild depression occurs in up to 70 percent of women immediately following childbirth. Up to 10 percentof women experience depression of a lingering nature after childbirth.

Attachment B | Attachment C | Attachment D
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