Heavy blood loss may lead to hypovolemic shock, insufficient perfusion of vital organs and death if not rapidly treated.

Umbilical cord prolapse should always be considered a possibility when there is a sudden decrease in fetal heart rate or variable decelerations, particularly after the rupture of membranes.

Prolonged labour may result in maternal exhaustion, fetal distress, and other complications including obstetric fistula.

Perinatal asphyxia is a medical condition resulting from deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant during labour.

Specific situations that can contribute to birth injury include breech presentation, conduplicato corpore and shoulder dystocia.

A uterine rupture is a life-threatening event for both mother and baby as it typically results in severe hemorrhage and can cause perinatal asphyxia.