Common Warning Signs


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Our research and experience has led us to identifying some key danger signs that occur during labour.  If not given due attention, these signs can often lead to problems during birth.


We have come to realise that most emergency situations do not just happen; they are the culmination of many warning signs left unnoticed or ignored.



We put these here for your consideration; we are not saying that the presence of one or another will mean impending trouble, but in our experience, these key indicators keep coming up time and time again.  We supply them for informational purposes only.


  • Lack of monitoring during late pregnancy and labour
  • LMC encouraging the woman to give birth at home or in a primary birthing unit without her being fully informed of the realistic time frames for emergency transfers to medical assistance
  • Medical assistance not being called when first warning signs appear, and often not until signs have developed into imminent danger
  • Pregnancy going over the due date
  • Failure to progress in labour/ 'inefficient' labour
  • The presence of meconium-stained liquor (waters)
  • Lengthy handover during emergency due to inconsistent reporting and documentation
  • Wrong assumptions made on little or no evidence by LMC during labour and birth
  • First time pregnancy
  • Concerns of women and family members being ignored during labour