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Possible Complications
Giving birth is a normal function of the female body. Most dangers and complications popularly associated with childbirth belong to the past. Usually they were caused not by the delivery itself, but by the primitive and unsanitary circumstances under which it took place. A modern woman who has been consulting her doctor throughout the pregnancy and who gives birth with expert assistance has no reason to fear serious problems. Possible difficulties can now be handled quickly and effectively.
Need for episiotomy: Very often the pressure of the appearing fetus threatens to tear the vaginal opening. In these cases, the doctor makes a small incision (an episiotomy) to prevent such a tear. The incision is easily repaired with some stitches and heals within a short time.
Breech presentation: Another problem may arise when the baby's feet or buttocks appear first (instead of the head as in most cases). This so called breech presentation may prolong the process of delivery and can be somewhat risky to the baby.
Gonorrhea prophylaxis: A possible risk for all babies is an eye infection with gonorrhea. In order to prevent such infections, the eyes of each newborn infant are treated with a solution of silver nitrate.
Caesarain section: In some rare cases, a normal delivery may be impossible for one reason or another, and a Caesarean section may become necessary. This means that the doctor cuts through the abdomen into the uterus to remove the baby before it passes through the vagina. The term "Caesarean section" refers to the legend that Julius Caesar was born in this fashion.
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