A precipitous labor is a kind of labor that happens very quickly. If you have sudden, strong contractions close together and a sudden urge to push, your baby is probably coming out in no time.😮 

Precipitous labor

🤰What is precipitous labor?

A precipitous labor happens very quickly. It’s the experience of being in labor and giving birth within 3 hours from the start of contractions.⏲️ Instead of the slow buildup contractions lasting a few hours, you may not be aware that you’re in labor until you realize your baby is arriving when you feel the urge to push and your baby’s head is descending.👶

🤰What causes precipitous labor?

Exact causes of precipitous labor is unknown.🤔 However, some risk factors for precipitous labor have been suggested such as a history of rapid labor, young maternal age, a labor that’s induced by prostaglandin or other fertility treatments. 

🤰What are signs of precipitous labor?  

Signs of precipitous labor include sudden, strong contractions that occur very close together. You feel extreme pain as if there is one continuous contraction.😣 Also you feel sensation or pressure in the pelvis and a sudden urge to bear down and push.

Things to expect when you have precipitous labor

🤰What to do if you have precipitous labor

Call an emergency ambulance🚑 and your doctor immediately if you feel that your baby’s arrival is imminent. Lie down on your side until medical help arrives. Try to stay calm and use breathing techniques to help you through contractions.😮‍💨 

🤰Complications of precipitous labor and precipitous birth

If your baby👶 is full-term, the baby will thrive just fine and won’t experience any problems due to speedy delivery. However, you may suffer from complications such as bruising or perineal tears because of fast labor. 

Heavy bleeding🩸 is another problem because your womb has contracted too fast and not properly. Placenta may remain in your uterus after the birth of the baby. If you can’t make it to the hospital in time, you may have infections if the birth happens in an unsterilized place.😟