ABSTRACT
Supporting women who are having a complicated labour may present us with particular challenges. These will vary depending on many factors, in particular whether labour is complicated because of an emergency or as part of a planned situation, for example an emergency caesarean birth or one that was planned during the woman's pregnancy. Births involving epidurals are not always straightforward, however, and women's requests for an epidural may present dilemmas for the midwife. It is important therefore that we consider the experiences and needs of such women so that we provide sensitive and tailored care. It can be challenging supporting women in labour who require a lot of technological assistance, particularly when we are working in an unfamiliar environment. Women who have complicated labours often give birth to babies needing medical care and admission to the neonatal unit (NNU). It provides support to women who are experiencing complications in their labour.
