Navigating Emergency Birth: What You Need to Know?

Emergency births are uncommon and occur unexpectedly outside of hospitals. Such situations require immediate action, quick thinking, and basic knowledge to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. At KD Blossom, our expert gynaecologists and dedicated support team are prepared to handle such emergencies. This guide will walk you through what to expect during an emergency birth, how to prepare for such scenarios, and the steps to take afterwards.

Understanding emergency birth

An emergency birth is defined as a situation where labor progresses rapidly or unpredictably, resulting in delivery within three hours of contractions beginning. It can be a highly stressful and overwhelming experience, but staying calm and informed can make a significant difference in managing the situation effectively.

Preparation for Unexpected Scenarios

While you can’t predict when an emergency birth might occur, there are steps you can take to prepare and reduce potential risks:

1. Knowledge and education:

1. Attend prenatal classes to understand the early signs of labor and how to respond if contractions accelerate rapidly.
2. Familiarise yourself with the stages of labor and delivery.

2. Emergency Kit:

Prepare a basic emergency childbirth kit with the following supplies:

1. Clean towels or blankets
2. Sterile gloves
3. Scissors (to cut the umbilical cord)
4. A bulb syringe (to clear the baby’s airways)
5. Sanitary pads (for postpartum bleeding)
6. A clean plastic sheet or tarp (to create a clean surface)

3. Communication Plan:

1. Keep emergency contacts, including your healthcare provider, emergency services, and trusted support persons, easily accessible.
2. Ensure your phone is charged and within reach at all times.

Steps to take during an emergency birth

If you find yourself in a situation where an emergency birth is imminent, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm and call for help:

1. Ta ke a deep breath and remain as calm as possible.
2. Call emergency services immediately and provide your location and details about the situation.

2. Create a clean and safe environment:

1. Move to a clean, dry, and private area.
2. Lay down clean towels or a plastic sheet to create a sanitary surface for delivery.

3. Support the mother:

1. Reassure the mother and encourage her to stay calm.
2. Guide her to take deep breaths and find a comfortable position, such as lying on her back or squatting.

4. Guide the birth process:

1. If the baby’s head begins to emerge (crowning), gently support the head without pulling.
2. Allow the baby to be delivered naturally with each contraction.
3. Support the baby’s head and neck as the body is delivered.

5. Clear the baby’s airways:

1. After delivery, gently clear the baby’s nose and mouth using a bulb syringe.
2. If the baby is not breathing, gently rub their back or tickle their feet to stimulate breathing. If necessary, perform rescue breathing if you are trained to do so.

6. Keep the baby warm:

1. Place the baby skin-to-skin on the mother’s chest and cover both with a clean blanket to maintain warmth.

7. Wait for the placenta:

1. Do not pull on the umbilical cord. Allow the placenta to deliver naturally, which may take up to 30 minutes.
2. Once delivered, place the placenta in a clean container and keep it at the same level as the baby until medical help arrives.

Post-delivery care

After the baby is born, take the following steps to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the newborn until professional medical assistance arrives:

1. Monitor the baby’s breathing:

1. Ensure the baby is breathing normally and their skin colour is healthy.
2. If the baby shows signs of respiratory distress, continue clearing their airways and seek immediate medical attention.

2. Control bleeding:

1. After delivery, the mother may experience bleeding. Encourage her to massage her abdomen gently to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding.
2. Apply firm but gentle pressure just below the navel if needed.

3. Stay together and warm:

1. Keep the baby skin-to-skin with the mother to maintain warmth and promote bonding.
2. Cover both with blankets to prevent hypothermia.

The importance of professional medical assistance

Even if the birth appears to have gone smoothly, seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible. Both the mother and baby need to be evaluated for any potential complications, such as infections, excessive bleeding, or respiratory issues. Medical professionals can also provide proper care for the umbilical cord and placenta.

Risks and when to seek help

Emergency births carry certain risks, including:

• For the Mother: Excessive bleeding, infections, or tears.
• For the Baby:Breathing difficulties, low body temperature, or infections.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• The mother is bleeding heavily or shows signs of shock (pale skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness).
• The baby is not breathing, has a bluish skin tone, or appears unresponsive.

Conclusion

While emergency births are rare, being prepared can make all the difference. By staying calm, having a plan, and following the steps outlined above, you can help ensure a safer outcome for both mother and baby. At KD Blossom, our team of expert gynaecologists and healthcare professionals is always ready to provide the care and support you need during such critical moments. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact KD Blossom today. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.