Precipitate labor

Prepared by:dmsArgel,RN
❖Precipitate dilatation-is cervical dilatation that occurs at a rate of
5 cm or more per hour in a primipara or 10 cm or more per hour in
a multipara.

❖Precipitate birth occurs when uterine contractions are so strong a

woman gives birth with a few, rapidly occurring contractions, often
defined as a labor that is completed in fewer than 3 hours

❖Rapid labor is likely to occur with grand multiparity, or it may occur

after induction of labor by oxytocin. Contractions can be so forceful
they lead to premature separation of the placenta or lacerations of
the perineum, placing the woman at risk for hemorrhage
❖Rapid labor also poses a risk to the fetus because subdural hemorrhage may
result from the rapid release of pressure on the head
❖A precipitate labor can be predicted from a labor graph if, during the active
phase of dilatation, the rate is greater than 5 cm/hr (1 cm every 12 minutes) in
a nullipara or 10 cm/hr (1 cm every 6 minutes) in a multipara.
❖Caution a multiparous woman by week 28 of pregnancy that, because a past
labor was so brief, her labor this time also may be brief so that she has time
to plan for adequate transportation to the hospital or alternative birthing
center.
❖Both grand multiparas and women with histories of precipitate labor should
have the birthing room converted to birth readiness before full dilatation is
obtained.
❖Even if a sudden birth should occur, it can be accomplished in a controlled
surrounding.
❖one in which birth occurs within 3 hours of its onset.
❖Intense contractions often begin abruptly rather than gradually increasing in
frequency, duration, and intensity, as is typical of most labors.
❖Precipitate labor is not the same as a precipitate birth
❖Priority nursing care of the woman in precipitate labor includes promotion of
fetal oxygenation and maternal comfort.
❖The side-lying position enhances placental blood flow and reduces the effects
of aortocaval compression, added benefit of the side-lying position is to slow
the rapid fetal descent and minimize perineal tears.
❖Additional measures to enhance fetal oxygenation include administering
oxygen to the mother and maintaining adequate blood volume with
nonadditive
❖IV fluids. If oxytocin is being used when rapid-fire contractions begin, it should
be stopped. A tocolytic drug may be ordered.