A MUM-TO-BE pushed so hard during labour that she ended up rupturing her oesophagus.
The 24-year-old, who was expecting her first baby, went into labour at 38 weeks in a hospital in London.
The mum’s oesophagus – the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach – had torn near her windpipe[/caption]
Everything seemed normal at first, but doctors decided to give her medication to strengthen contractions and speed the birth along.
At one point during labour, she threw up and was given some anti-sickness medicines to help settle her stomach.
After 80 minutes of pushing, she finally delivered her baby with the help of forceps and a vacuum cup, used to help suck out the baby.
However, during the ordeal, she lost a lot of blood, which can happen if the uterus has trouble contracting or if there’s a tear.
A few hours later, she developed a fever and her heart rate increased, so doctors started her on antibiotics as a precaution, in case of an infection.
The next morning, she felt a “mild discomfort in her chest, neck, and face”, medics wrote in the Journal of Medical Case Reports.
When they went to check they noticed a “crackling” sensation in her chest, a sign of trapped air escaping from inside her body.
Scans initially suggested a lung injury caused by the strain of pushing, a rare but usually harmless condition called Hamman’s syndrome.
Further tests revealed that her oesophagus – the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach – had torn near her windpipe, a rare condition known as Boerhaave’s syndrome.
Typically, this is brought on by violent vomiting, but the extreme pressure from pushing during labour can also trigger it.
The strain increases pressure inside the chest, which can lead to a tear in the oesophagus – especially if the tissue is already weakened by vomiting.
Though extremely rare, it can be serious if not caught early.
Fluid or air leaking into the space between the lungs can cause complications like a collapsed lung, infection, and breathing problems.
If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions, like sepsis, which happens when the body overreacts to an infection.
The unnamed woman was treated with antibiotics, a liquid diet, and close monitoring.
By day four, she was back on soft food and soon discharged.
She made a full recovery and went on to have another baby via planned C-section the following year.
Some of the most common injuries during childbirth
Childbirth is a life-changing experience, but it’s not without its risks.
While many women recover with no lasting issues, some common injuries can affect new mothers, especially in the perineal area and pelvic floor.
Here are some of the most common injuries women may experience during childbirth:
Injuries to the Perineal Area (the area of tissue between the vagina and anus):
- Perineal tears: Around 3 in every 4 women who have a vaginal birth will experience some form of perineal tear, ranging from mild to severe.
- Nerve damage: The process of childbirth can damage nerves in the perineal area, leading to long-term pelvic pain, and issues with bladder or bowel function.
- Obstetric fistula: A tear in the birth canal, often caused by prolonged labor, can result in incontinence.
Injuries to the Pelvic Floor:
- Muscle damage: The pelvic floor muscles can be overstretched or torn, leading to permanent changes and pelvic pain.
- Pelvic organ prolapse: This happens when pelvic organs drop toward the vagina, which can cause bladder and bowel issues.
These injuries are part of the recovery process for many new mothers, and while they can be concerning, most can be treated or managed with the right care.
