Less than 3 hours until baby is born? What you need to know about precipitous labor

As a mother-to-be, you may feel a little scared and a lot of curiosity when you think about giving birth. You may have heard about mothers who gave birth after hours, maybe days, of labor. So when you hear such stories, you may also think, "Oh, I wish I could have my baby soon." But did you know that if you have a baby too quickly, that is, if the baby is delivered in as little as three hours, there can be some risks involved? That's what we're going to talk about today.

What is Precipitous Labor?

Simply put, preterm labor or rapid labor is when the baby is born very quickly. On average, labor takes between 6 and 18 hours. But if you have just started labor, that is, the process of contractions in the uterus, and the baby is born within three hours , we call it preterm labor. Some doctors also include labor that takes less than five hours in this category.

Now you might be thinking, "Oh... how great it would be to have a baby so soon, so less pain." But in reality, this can pose some risks for both the mother and the baby. That's why it's very important to be aware of this.

What are the signs of preterm labor? How do you recognize it?

In a normal labor, labor pains start slowly and gradually increase in intensity. But in a sudden labor, it's completely different. Everything happens suddenly, without any warning.

To better understand this situation, see the table below.

Why is this happening? Who is at higher risk?

The exact cause of preterm labor is still unknown, but some factors have been found to increase the risk.

• If you have had a child before: The time it takes to have a second or third child is usually shorter than the first.
• If you have had a preterm birth before: Those who have had a previous experience are more likely to have it again.
• If the baby is underweight (small baby): If the baby is small in size, delivery may be easier and faster.
• If your uterus is very strong and efficient: If the muscles of the uterus work very strongly and efficiently, labor will occur quickly.
• If your birth canal is soft and flexible: If the birth canal is easy to stretch, it will be easier for the baby to come out.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have been given medications such as `Prostaglandins` to induce labor.
• If you have used drugs such as cocaine.

If you think you have any of these risk factors, don't panic. Talk to your doctor about this. He or she will review your medical history and advise you on any necessary precautions.

What complications can occur due to sudden childbirth?

Because everything happens so quickly, this can be a mentally and physically challenging experience. You may not have time to get to the hospital, or you may not be able to get an epidural. This can make the whole experience scary and overwhelming.

Complications that may occur in the mother

• Postpartum Hemorrhage: The uterus may not contract properly and bleed excessively.
• Shock: Excessive bleeding causes the body's organs to not receive the necessary blood and oxygen.
• Perineal tears: As the baby comes out quickly, there is a greater chance of damage to the vagina and surrounding tissues.
• Retained Placenta: The placenta, which should be expelled after the baby is born, can become trapped inside the uterus.
• Giving birth in an unsterilized place: Imagine giving birth in a car or bathroom, where there is a risk of infection.
• Severe psychological stress: The fear and loss of control caused by this sudden event can lead to psychological distress later.
• Not getting the right antibiotics: Some mothers have infections like Group B strep. Antibiotics should be given before delivery. If there is no time for this in an emergency delivery, the infection can be passed on to the baby.

Possible complications for the baby

• Inhaling the baby's first stool (meconium): The baby defecates in the womb and inhales the liquid, which can cause respiratory distress.
• Infections: Being born in an unsterilized environment puts the baby at higher risk of infection.
• Injuries: The baby can be injured due to rapid delivery or by falling onto a surface such as the ground.

Is this more painful than a normal delivery?

Although it's difficult to give a single answer to this question, a sudden birth is more likely to be more painful. There are several reasons for this.

• Missing time to get painkillers: You may have to deliver your baby before you can go to the hospital to get a strong painkiller like an epidural.
• Excessive pain: Contractions are very strong from the moment they start.
• Lack of rest: There is hardly any time to rest between two bouts of pain. The pain is constant.
• Vaginal tearing: The pain can be increased due to injuries caused by rapid labor.
• Lack of mental preparation: The pain is felt more because there is no time to do breathing exercises or calm down.

What should I do if I feel like I'm going into labor?

If you experience these symptoms, don't panic. Try to stay as calm as possible while doing these things.

1. Call your doctor immediately. If you cannot reach your doctor, call an emergency ambulance service (e.g. 1990 Suwaseriya) or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.

2. Try to calm down. While thinking positive thoughts, take deep breaths and exhale slowly.

3. Don't be alone. Make sure there is someone with you whenever possible.

4. Stay in a clean place. If possible, stay on a clean towel or cloth.

5. Lie on your left side. This will improve the blood supply to the uterus and baby to some extent.

If this has happened before, how can you prepare for the next time?

If you've had a previous miscarriage, you should be extra careful during your next pregnancy. The best thing you can do is to have your hospital bag ready a few weeks before your due date.

Put the things you need to deal with an emergency in that bag.

• Hand sanitizer
• A few clean towels and blankets
• Baby's necessary nappies and extra clothes

Sometimes, if your doctor thinks you're at high risk of having a preterm birth, they may suggest an early induction. But that decision is based on a lot of factors, including your health history and the stage of your pregnancy. So talk to your doctor about this and choose the option that's best for you both.

Emergency childbirth can be a scary experience, but if you are aware of it in advance and are prepared, you can face any situation.

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