What is Precipitous Labor?
While labor and delivery can last a very long time, some women have what is called precipitous labor. This is when the total time between the beginning of labor and birth is three hours or less. This is not that common, but under certain circumstances it can occur, and it has a unique set of problems that should be managed carefully. Symptoms of precipitous labor may begin with true contractions that don’t seem to have intermissions. One contraction tends to directly follow another without a time interval. If you are at home, and your contractions are occurring quickly without breaks in between, you may be progressing in labor more quickly than most people. If you are some distance from a hospital, this form of contractions is an indication to call 911, because it is possible that you may deliver without medical help before you even get to the hospital. Some women seem more predisposed than others toward precipitous labor. It may more readily occur in women with roomier pelvises, and i
While labor and delivery can last a very long time, some women have what is called precipitous labor. This is when the total time between the beginning of labor and birth is three hours or less. This is not that common, but under certain circumstances it can occur, and it has a unique set of problems that should be managed carefully. Symptoms of precipitous labor may begin with true contractions that don’t seem to have intermissions. One contraction tends to directly follow another without a time interval. If you are at home, and your contractions are occurring quickly without breaks in between, you may be progressing in labor more quickly than most people. If you are some distance from a hospital, this form of contractions is an indication to call 911, because it is possible that you may deliver without medical help before you even get to the hospital.
