What are the causes of death during childbirth?

Question

Hi, I am 20 years old, almost 6 months pregnant, first baby, but I am scared of giving birth. Something that causes my fears is my weight and size, I am 5 feet 1 inch and and my weight has always been 85 lbs. When people see me they say I'm too small, and could face possible complications. My fear is, what if complications get so bad that I end up dying while giving birth or afterwards...
Thanks

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry about it. I have a friend your size who has 2 children, and she had QUICK easy labors-and she has zero hips, even to this day. Don't stress yourself out about it-labor is enough work without worrying. If they think there is any size problem, they will give you a c-section. Don't jump the gun!

Answer 2

There are on average almost 400 deaths during pregnancy and childbirth in the US annually in 2003 and 600 in later years. I didn't even know it was that high! But keep in mind, there are 4 million births. 150 of those deaths are black women primarily due to high blood pressure problems being more common amongst black women. The reason for the sudden increase is a statistics change. Death by infection caused by c-section must be counted as a maternal death if it occurs within some period after birth (it's either 6 months or 1 year).

The most common cause is uncontrolled bleeding. Second cause is high blood pressure (preeclampsia). C-sections are also a common cause both from bleeding as well as infection. Blood clots would be another one. Placenta accretia (you don't usually get this in first pregnancy).

Everybody has fear. Life is not without risk. Good planning will help. Disasters can occur at any time. Yes, you could have complications, based on your age. Do you remember those little tribespeople from the "Gods Must Be Crazy"? Those little women give birth to 8 pounders.

Answer 3

Your fear of something going wrong is completely natural and understandable. With the advancement of medicine, death during childbirth isn't as common as it once was but still a definate possibility. Complications are going to depend on the size of the baby and your general health (blood pressure etc.) I have a tiny cousin, who was put on bed rest in the last part of her pregnancy, so that is a possibility for you if you are really small. Also, if the baby is too large to be born vaginally, then they will do a ceasaren section, which will be easier for you and less complicated. They may also, have to take the baby a little early to avoid problems. Don't worry, trust your doctors. If you are uneasy about your doctor's ability then get another one immediately.

Answer 4

The most common cause of death is bleeding, but there are medications that can help stop the bleeding. Also, if you needed to have a cesarean section, you could die from stopping breathing (general anesthesia), or also bleeding. Dying during childbirth is pretty rare. Don't worry or get stressed about it. There are many ways of avoiding complications. Just be sure you get a competent nurse and doctor and deliver in a big hospital with an NICU and ICU team.

Answer 5

death of the mother during childbirth is very rare. no need to go into details really, just know it is rare. dying from problems after delivery are even more rare due to antibiotics and other modern medicines.

with your low weight, some problems you may have are early delivery or low birth weight of the baby (or both).

"people" say all kinds of crap. wait until you have your baby. strangers on the street will feel like they can give you parenting advise. follow your instincts and eat when you're hungry. your body has carried a pregnancy this far...you never would have gotten pregnant if you were malnourished.

Answer 6

If your fears are that bad you really should consider talking to someone that could possible ease them. The biggest thing getting through a pregnancy is being able to relax and take things as they come. With your mind working on over load on your fears as well with the combination of your size it could cause problems that would not be there if you could only calm your fears. I am sure if there is any chance of anything happening or if the Dr's. are at all concerned they would have told you. So for your own peace of mind and the health of you and your baby please go find someone that you can sit down and talk to, if they can't help you I am sure they can point you in the direction of someone that can.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

If your doctor worries about that, you'll have a C-section.

Most deaths are due to abnormalities, such as deeply rooted placentas, torn placentas (hemorrhage), heart problems, and the like.

Asian women similar in size to you have been giving birth for centuries: they can do it. You might have an issue if Daddy is far bigger than you, but your doctor will have management techniques if that's a concern. A late ultrasound can estimate baby's size and give some indicator whether or not he/she will pass out of you easily.

In a well-managed hospital birthing ward, it's rare that complications get so out of hand. You'll be just fine.

Answer 8

in this day it is rare for a mother to die during childbirth (well, in a developed country that is) Blood loss is the #1 cause, followed by stroke from high blood pressure. As long as you have good prenatal care then you will come through fine. At your size your chances of having a c-section are higher, but its still a less than 1 in 1000 chance of death.

Answer 9

Hemorrhage and infection are the biggest causes. Try not to worry, though. Very few people die now from childbirth. I was small too before I gave birth. I won't lie. It was pretty hard, but I made it through alive and so did my daughter. Also, my great great grandma was 4'11" and gave birth to 10 pound babies (vaginally, no epidurals existed then) and made it through alive---lived until she was 99. :)

Answer 10

Wow. Honestly I think your biggest concern should be making it to your due date. Being you've made it to 6 months you've made it through the toughest part. At six months you child will have a chance at life if it is premature. Another concern is both your blood pressure and that of your child.

It is important to discuss your concerns and possible complications with your doctor because there are other complications that you might or might not have to worry about, depending on your heath.

Answer 11

Had a friend recently shorter than you, but weighed more gave birth to a healthy baby she had a c section because of preclemsia (s/p sorry) and that was her way of having her child so yes you can have a normal delivery just a different method.

Don't worry put those fears into someone else hands. ; )