c. Inadequate warning of imminent birth due to absence of painful sensations
during labor.
3-4.
DANGER OF PRECIPITATE DELIVERY
There are several misfortunes associated with precipitate delivery for both the
mother and the infant. They are classified as maternal and neonatal.
a. Maternal.
(1) May cause lacerations of the cervix, vagina, and/or perineum. Rapid
descent and delivery of an infant does not allow maternal tissues adequate time to
stretch and accommodate the passage of the infant.
(2) There may be hemorrhaging originating from lacerations and/or
hematomas of the cervix, vagina, or perineum. There may also be hemorrhaging from
the uterus. Uterine atony may result from muscular exhaustion after unusually strong
and rapid labor.
(3)
There may be infection as a result of unsterile delivery.
b. Neonatal.
(1) May cause intracranial hemorrhage resulting from a sudden change in
pressure on the fetal head during rapid expulsion.
(2) May cause aspiration of amniotic fluid, if unattended at or immediately
following delivery.
(3)
There may be infection as a result of unsterile delivery.
3-5.
NURSING CARE TO PREPARE FOR ANTICIPATED PRECIPITATE BIRTH
a. Assess Patient for an Impending Precipitous Delivery Situation.
(1)
Patient has previous obstetric history of rapid labor/delivery.
(2)
Patient complains of a sudden, intense urge to push.
(3)
Notable increase in bloody show.
(4)
Sudden bulging of the perineum.
(5)
Sudden crowning of the presenting part.
MD0922
3-3