PRECIPITATE LABOUR

PRIYANKA GEHLOT
M.Sc. NURSING
FINAL YEAR
PRECIPITATE LABOUR
INTRODUCTION
Labour and childbirth are the most challenging and
painful phases of pregnancy. Most mothers-to-be
dread facing it and hope it gets over quickly. When
labour starts, there is usually a gap between each stage
of labour, but when it comes to women going through
precipitate labour, everything happens very quickly.
DEFINITION
Precipitate labour occur when uterine contractions are
so strong that the woman gives birth with only a few,
rapidly occurring contractions. It is also defined as an
extremely rapid labor that last less than 2 hours from
start to finish.
PREVALANCE RATE

The prevalence rate of precipitate labour is 2%.

CAUSES OF PRECIPITATE LABOUR
Multiparity
Previous precipitous labor
Roomy pelvis
Small fetus in a favorable position
Strong uterine contractions
 
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Increased pain more than normal
Increased maternal heart rate, pulse and body temp.
Increased BP
Nasal Flaring
Anxiety
Restlessness
Hypertonic Contractions
 
MATERNAL RISK
Lacerations of the cervix, vagina, and or perineum

Amniotic fluid embolism

Postpartum hemorrhage
 
CERVICAL TEAR
LACERATION OF PERINIUM
Inversion of uterus
Abruptio placenta
Uterine rupture
FETAL RISK
Fetal hypoxia

Cerebral trauma

Meconium stained fluid

Low apgar score

Meconium stained fluid
MANAGEMENT
B D A
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During
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After delivery
BEFORE DELIVERY
Assess previous labor history if the woman is a
multipara.

Lie down either on your back or side in a clean space

till help arrives.

Take deep breaths and think about calming things.

CONT.
Assess fetal status, mother comfort level and mother’s
coping abilities.

Assess contraction status. Be alert for contractions

that are more frequent than every 2 minutes and
dilatation that progresses faster than normal (more
than 1.5cm/hr)
CONT.
The nurse should closely monitor the woman’s
contractions and cervical dilatation, and an emergency
birth pack is kept near the bedside.

The nurse should stay in constant attendance, assist

the woman to a comfortable position and provides a
quiet environment
DURING DELIVERY
Administer ether or magnesium sulpate to suppress
contraction.

Oxytoxin agumentation should be avoided.

In such cases, a tocolytic agent such as terbutaline may be

administered to reduce the force and frequency of
contractions.
CONT.
Episiotomy should be done liberally.

Carefully conduct the delivery. Delivery of head should

be controlled.

Apply gentle pressure anteriorly against the fetal head to

maintain flexion and prevent it from delivering too
quickly.
AFTER DELIVERY

Examine the mother and fetus for injuries.