What Is an Emergency Childbirth?

When a pregnant woman first begins labor, it is recommended she be attended by either a midwife or doctor. In those rare instances that this isn't possible, however, she will need to deliver her baby during an emergency childbirth. This can happen when labor progresses too quickly. It is also a possibility when traveling is impossible, such as when the roads are closed during an emergency. During an emergency childbirth, ideally a woman should have a helper or attendant, who can be responsible for keeping her calm and guiding her baby into the world.

There are a few supplies that may be needed during an emergency childbirth. A method of sterilization is essential, for instance. Boiling water is preferred, but isopropyl alcohol will do in a pinch. Latex rubber gloves are also good to have, but if these are not available, the attendant can thoroughly wash his hands with soap and water instead. Clean towels, washcloths, and blankets will also be needed. Since childbirth can be a rather messy experience, laying down a shower curtain, or some other type of plastic barrier, may be desirable.

The area where an emergency childbirth will take place should be very clean as well. Pets and small children should be kept away. Clean bed sheets, if the mother chooses to lie on the bed during the childbirth, are also essential. Several pillows can also be used to prop her up and make her more comfortable.

During labor, the mother should be kept as calm as possible. The attendant can speak to her soothingly. If she is comfortable doing so, many obstetricians recommend that the mother walk around before giving birth. This can make the delivery faster and easier.

Timing the mother's contractions is a very important part of emergency childbirth. The attendant can feel these by gently pressing on the mother's belly, just over the uterus. When he feels a hard ball, this is the start of a uterine contraction, and when the area relaxes, the contraction has stopped. When these become longer and happen more frequently, usually a couple minutes apart, this is typically a good sign that the baby will be delivered soon.

A baby's head should be the first thing that comes out, and if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, it should be removed gently. The attendant should then gently place his hands under the head to help support it and guide the rest of the body out. The shoulders will come out next. If these do not emerge after a few minutes, the attendant may need to insert a finger into the vagina to gently pull them out. After the shoulders are out, the rest of the body should emerge quickly.

After an emergency childbirth is complete, the attendant should make sure that the baby's nose and mouth are completely clear of any vaginal secretions and mucus. This can be done by holding him upside down for a moment with his head tilted back slightly. The mouth may need to be cleared out by gently removing any remaining mucus with a clean finger.

The afterbirth, or placenta, will be delivered last. This is often expelled shortly after the baby. If the mother and baby will be transported to a hospital right after an emergency childbirth, the afterbirth should be wrapped up with the baby. In the event that this is not possible, the cord should be cut. This can be done by tying two pieces of sterilized string onto the umbilical cord — one a few inches (7.6 centimeters) away from the baby's stomach, and one a couple inches (5 centimeters away from that one — and cutting it between these with a sharp, sterilized knife.