Practitioners who work in labor and delivery units may administer a variety of medications during the birthing process that, when used in error, may adversely affect both the mother and the fetus. In events reported to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, the predominant medication error types associated with the labor and delivery unit were dose-omission errors and wrong-drug errors.

While vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery is viewed as a safe alternative to forceps deliveries, there are known maternal and fetal risks associated with vacuum devices, including maternal perineal injury and fetal cranial hemorrhages.

Although it is difficult to accurately predict or prevent shoulder dystocia, delivering healthcare providers can be prepared when this obstetric emergency occurs.

A search of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority's reporting system database results in identification of 256 reports of maternal complications causing harm to mothers.