Transcript: Most deliveries go off without a hitch—but there are times when a mother will experience childbirth complications. One of the common reasons why a mom might have trouble during labor involves problems with the baby’s placenta. One such condition, placenta previa, occurs when the placenta at least partially—and sometimes fully—covers the mother’s cervix. Placenta previa is a problem because the cervix is the baby’s entryway into the world. Frequently, a mother with placenta previa will need to be on bed rest until it is time to give birth via a planned cesarean section. Called placenta abruptio, this condition is usually very serious,and can result in fetal distress or even death, if the baby is not delivered immediately. If the baby is mature enough to be born after a placental abruption, an emergency c-section may be necessary.  Unfortunately, it is not just the placenta that can negatively affect a birth. Occasionally, the mother’s uterus will tear, usually at the site of a prior c-section. A uterine rupture in labor usually leads to an emergency cesarean. This situation usually requires that the mother receive a blood transfusion and stitches, as well. Sometimes, the damage to the uterus will be so great that the mother will also need a full hysterectomy to stop the bleeding.  During labor, it is also possible for a mother’s body to react inappropriately to her baby’s exit. For example, on some occasions, the cervix will not open and thin quickly enough for a safe birth. When the cervix stalls, a doctor will often administer drugs to get the process moving, or may decide to do a c-section. Other times, a mother may become exhausted from pushing so much and so hard, and may become too tired to deliver her baby. If the baby is ready to be born and the mother cannot push, a c-section or forceps delivery may be required to ensure a healthy delivery. While any of these problems can impede birth, your doctor will monitor you closely to deal with them quickly should they occur in your delivery.