Introduction: Giving birth is an event that may often be simple, but sometimes complications arise which put the child as well as the mother at risk. In spite of the fact that obstetrics and midwifery have progressed to a great extent, the incidence of obstetrical emergencies has not substantially changed. In some deliveries with no foreseen complications there can emerge conditions which demand quick and deliberate measures, as both the mother and the child are endangered. These cases are called midwifery emergencies. Aim: The aim of my diploma work is to present some of the obstetrical emergencies and explore the possibilities to prevent or minimize their consequences by means of prompt and professionally competent action. Methods of work: The descriptive method of having overviewed specialized and scientific literature was used, both by Slovene and foreign authors who have dealt with the problem of different obstetrical emergencies. Results: Obstetrical emergencies comprise a wide spectrum of various deviations from the normal, physiologically natural childbirth. The postpartum haemorrhage is the cause of death in 25 % of all mothers, and maternal mortality rate due to late postpartum bleeding is almost 50 %. In pregnancy, hypertensive disorders have been the most common complications. The prevalence of all types of hypertension stays the same, but there are fewer forms of severe hypertension. Foetal distress is most often the consequence of poorer nutritive and respiratory capacity of the placenta, whose ability rapidly deteriorates after the 40th week. It can also emerge because the blood flow through the umbilical cord has been obstructed. The incidence of the umbilical cord prolapse rates between 1.4 to 6.2 cases in 1000 pregnancies. In the first part of the 20th century the percentage of children being stillborn or foetal deaths through umbilical prolapse was 32 to 47 %. According to the latest information, the percentage of perinatal mortality due to prolapse has been less than 10 %. Argument and conclusion: Obstetrical emergencies are still a pressing problem despite the fast development in obstetrics and midwifery, and midwives confront them on daily basis in their work. Incidence of all four of the above-mentioned obstetrical emergencies has remained relatively unchanged in the last decades, but the therapy, treatment and final outcome of the labouring mothers, pregnant women and children have improved. It has been estimated that not only a doctor, but also a midwife should know the pathophysiology of these emergencies in order to be able to recognize them and react appropriately.
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