Precipitate and Emergency Delivery

GENERAL

There are times when labor progresses so rapidly that the nurse is faced with the task of delivering the baby even within the confines of a hospital setting. And, in addition, there are times when a woman begins labor in a variety of physical settings and during a variety of climatic disturbances away from a medical facility. During these situations is when the nurse has the primary responsibility for providing a physically and psychologically safe experience for the woman and her baby. It is important that the nurse maintains composure and keeps calm. Whenever possible, the patient should be told what to anticipate and what she can do to cooperate effectively. Working as a team is essential and can be accomplished if confidence is instilled by competence in both the physical and emotional aspects of care.

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

a. Precipitate Delivery. This refers to a delivery which results after an unusually rapid labor (less than three hours) and culminates in the rapid, spontaneous expulsion of the infant. Delivery often occurs without the benefit of asepsis.

b. Emergency Delivery. This refers to an unplanned, non delivery room, non-hospital birth which occurs as a result of precipitous labor, geographical distance from the hospital, or other cause for the unexpected delivery.

FACTORS THAT MAY PREDISPOSE A WOMAN TO A PRECIPITATE DELIVERY

There are common factors which may cause a woman to deliver rapidly. These factors include:

a. A multipara with relaxed pelvic or perineal floor muscles may have an extremely short period of expulsion.

b. A multipara with unusually strong, forceful contractions. Two to three powerful contractions may cause the baby to appear with considerable rapidity.

c. Inadequate warning of imminent birth due to absence of painful sensations during labor.