Define the Precipitate Labour

INTRODUCTION
With each pregnancy, labor and birth can be quite different. Some women follow the typical course of labor, while others may experience delays in labor or find it necessary to induce. Still, others experience rapid labor
DEFINITION:
Precipitate labour refers to a labour pattern that progresses rapidly and ends with delivery occurring in less than 3 hours after the onset of uterine activity.
CONTRIBUTOR FACTORS
• Maternal multiparous status.
• Small foetus
• Relaxed pelvic and vaginal musculature
• History of rapid labours with previous deliveries
RISKS OF PRECIPITATE LABOUR AND DELIVERY
• Delivery out of asepsis
• Maternal soft tissue injuries
• Foetal injuries from rapid explusion at delivery
MANAGEMENT
 Readiness of the health care team for delivery, when the client has a history of rapid labour.
 Medical induction of labour to ensure a hospital delivery and to increase the likelihood for a controlled delivery that minimizes the potential for maternal and foetal injuries.
NURSING CARE
Important nursing interventions include:
 Continuous assessment of maternal and foetal status
 Communicating to physician any change in status, maternal or foetal intolerance or signs of impending problems.
 Teaching and reinforcing relaxation techniques
 Administering tocolytic medications as ordered
 Side-lying position to enhance placental blood flow and to reduce the effects of aortocaval compression
 Oxygen to the mother and adequate blood volume with non-additive intravenous fluids
 Care for the Infant.
 (1) The nurse should cradle the infant against his (the nurse’s) body with the infant’s head supported by the palm of his hand and the body supported by the forearm. This method allows the nurse a free hand.
 (2) The infant should be held with his head tilted downward to facilitate the drainage of mucus and fluid from the upper airway.
 (3) The infant should be held at or below the level of the uterus until the umbilical cord stops pulsating to prevent loss of neonatal blood to the placenta.

AFTER DELIVERY
 Assessing uterine fundus for atony
 Checking perineum for haematoma or laceration
 Assessing neonate for soft tissue injuries
 Monitoring vital signs to ensure stability