precipitate labor

1. PRECIPITA
TE
LABOUR
Mrs. Deepti Kukreti
PG Nursing Tutor
Obstetrics & Gynaecology

2. DEFINITION
• A labour
precipitate
is called
when the
combined duration of the first
and second stage is less than
two hours.

3. INCIDENCE
• It is common in multipara and may be
repetitive.
• Rapid expulsion is due to the combined effect
of hyperactive uterine contractions associated
with diminished soft tissue resistance.
• Labour is short as the rate of cervical
dilatation is 5cm per hour or more for the
nulliparous women.

4. MATERNAL RISKS;
• It includes extensive laceration of
the cervix, vagina and pernium
(to the extent of complete perineal tear)
• PPH due to uterine hypotonia that
develops subsequent to unusual
vigorous contractions
• Inversion
• Infection
• Uterine rupture
• Aminiotic fluid embolism

5. FETAL RISKS:
It include
• Intracranial stress and haemorrhage because
of rapid expulsion without time for moulding
of the head.
• The baby may sustain serious injuries if
delivery occurs in standing position ,bleeding
from the torn cord and direct hit on the skull
are real hazards.

6. TREATEMENT:
• The patient having previous history of precipitate
labour should be hospitalised prior to labour.
• During labour, the uterine contraction may be
suppressed by administering ether or magnesium
sulphate during contractions.
• Delivery of the head should be controlled.
• Episiotomy should be done liberally .
• Elective induction of labour by low rupture of
membranes and conduction of controlled delivery is
helpful .
• Oxytocin augmentation should be avoided.