This video presents the multidisciplinary preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of invasive placentation at a single institution. It also outlines the surgical steps taken to safely perform this procedure.
What is Labour and Delivery?
Labour and delivery is the process your body goes through to give birth, from the first regular contractions to the moment your baby and placenta are delivered. Most births follow a familiar path, but rare challenges like having a baby that's in the wrong position, heavy bleeding, or incomplete placental detachment can raise the risk of serious bleeding events and other medical emergencies.
Our labour and delivery video library highlights surgical techniques, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based approaches to care.
These videos are produced by Canadian doctors and international experts to help you better understand treatment options and outcomes.
More Resources
The First Prenatal Visit - What happens during the first visit, what to ask your provider, which tests you'll need to ensure your baby is healthy and more.
Anatomy Ultrasound - what the technician looks for, which part of the baby's body they can see, and when to ask about gender
Diagnosis and Early Days of Pregnancy - How urine and blood tests help confirm pregnancy, which symptoms you might experience and when
Labour and Delivery FAQs
What are the stages of labour?
Labour happens in three stages:
• First stage: Your contractions open the cervix until it's wide enough for the baby to pass through. This is usually the longest stage, especially with a first baby.
• Second stage: You push, and your baby is born.
• Third stage: You deliver the placenta, which usually comes a few minutes after your baby.
Your care team stays with you through all three to keep you and your baby safe.
How do I know when I'm actually in labour?
Real labour usually brings contractions that get stronger, longer, and closer together over time, and they don't ease off when you change position or rest. You might also notice your water breaking or a blood-tinged discharge called the "bloody show."
False labour, sometimes called Braxton Hicks, tends to be irregular and fades when you move around or drink water. If you're unsure, call your care team. They would much rather hear from you than have you wait at home worrying.
What are my options for pain relief during labour?
You have several, and you can mix and match them to get better results.
The medical options include:
• An epidural, which numbs you from the waist down while you stay awake
• Nitrous oxide, sometimes called "laughing gas"
• Pain medication through an IV
Plenty of people also rely on non-medical methods like breathing techniques, changing positions, warm water, massage, or leaning on a support person. There's no single right choice, so talk with your provider about what fits your birth plan.
What is a cesarean section, and why might I need one?
A cesarean section, or C-section, is a surgery where the doctor delivers your baby through an incision in your abdomen and uterus rather than through the vagina. Some are planned ahead of time, and others happen during labour if a vaginal birth becomes unsafe for you or your baby.
Your provider might recommend one if:
• Your baby is in a breech position
• Your labour isn't progressing
• There are signs your baby is in distress
• You have a placenta problem, like placenta previa
A C-section is a routine, well-understood operation, and your care team will explain why they're recommending it.
How long does recovery take after a C-section?
A C-section is major surgery, so it usually takes longer to recover from than a vaginal birth. Most people stay in the hospital for two to four days and feel noticeably better within a few weeks, though full healing of the incision takes longer.
Your care team will guide you on lifting, activity, and caring for your incision. Don't be afraid to ask them when it's safe to drive, exercise, or get back to your usual routine.
Can I have a vaginal birth after a C-section?
Often, yes. Many people safely have a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean, which doctors call a VBAC. Whether it's a good option for you depends on the type of incision you had before, your overall health, and how your current pregnancy is going.
Your provider can talk through the benefits and risks with you. The goal is a safe delivery for both you and your baby, whichever route that turns out to be.
What is a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy?
A cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy, or CSP, happens when an embryo implants in the scar left from a previous C-section instead of in the healthy wall of the uterus. It's rare, but it has become more common as C-section rates have risen. Because scar tissue is weaker than the uterine wall, a CSP can lead to serious bleeding if it isn't caught early.
A transvaginal ultrasound is the main way doctors diagnose it. Once they find it, your care team will talk you through the options, which may include medication or a surgical procedure to remove the pregnancy and protect your uterus. Catching it early gives you the best chance of avoiding complications and keeping your fertility intact.
What is placenta accreta?
Placenta accreta is when the placenta grows too deeply into the wall of the uterus and doesn't separate the way it normally would after birth. Doctors describe it as a spectrum, because in some cases the placenta grows even deeper, into the muscle or through the uterine wall. The biggest risk factor is a previous C-section or other uterine surgery.
Most people have no symptoms, so providers usually spot it on a prenatal ultrasound. When they diagnose it ahead of time, your care team can plan a careful delivery, often a scheduled C-section, with the right specialists and resources on hand to keep you safe.
Why would I need a hysterectomy during or after delivery?
In rare cases, a surgeon may need to remove the uterus during or shortly after delivery to stop life-threatening bleeding. This is most common with severe placenta accreta, where the placenta can't be separated safely.
A delivery hysterectomy is always a last resort, used to protect your life when other measures aren't enough. If you're at higher risk, your care team will discuss it with you well before your due date so nothing comes as a surprise.
Can fibroids be removed during pregnancy?
Doctors usually prefer to leave fibroids alone during pregnancy, since most don't cause problems and surgery carries added risk. But in certain situations, a surgeon may remove a fibroid that's causing severe pain or complications, sometimes even at the time of a C-section.
This is a specialized decision that depends on the size and location of the fibroid and how your pregnancy is going. Your provider will weigh the risks carefully and only recommend it when the benefits clearly outweigh them.
Is it safe to deliver in a hospital with a complex pregnancy?
Yes, and for higher-risk pregnancies it's the safest choice. Hospitals that handle complex deliveries have specialists, surgical teams, and blood banks ready in case anything unexpected happens.
If your pregnancy involves a condition like placenta accreta or a cesarean scar pregnancy, your care team may recommend delivering at a centre equipped for that level of care. Planning ahead means the right people and resources are in place from the start.
What should I ask my provider about my delivery?
It's normal to have questions as your due date approaches, and a good talk with your provider makes a real difference. You might ask:
• What your provider expects your labour and delivery to look like
• What pain relief options are available to you
• What would happen if you needed a C-section or other procedure
Watching these videos first can help you know what to expect and think of questions to bring. There's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health.