Pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax associated with labour

A 19-year-old primiparous woman in labour presented with spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and surgical emphysema. The membranes were intact and the fetus had a breech presentation. There was little improvement in her symptoms and labour progressed slowly. A caesarean section was performed under intrathecal block resulting in the birth of a healthy infant. The patient's symptoms resolved with supportive management. This condition is very rare and is generally self-limiting. Management aims to avoid worsening of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Recurrence is unlikely