[Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema in connection with a normal labor]

A case of mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema associated with a normal labour is presented and the literature is reviewed. Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema is a rare but potentially benign complication of normal labour, frequently observed in healthy young primiparae. Treatment should be directed towards exclusion of serious underlying disease. In mild cases, observation may be sufficient. Antibiotics are not considered necessary as a routine. If the complication is detected during labour, the delivery should be terminated with as little distress as possible for the mother employing forceps/vacuum extraction with a large episiotomy.