Emergency Home Birth

Though it is not very common, but sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where you show no signs of labor a few minutes ago but now, feel a sudden urge to push, signaling the arrival of the baby. It can happen anywhere, at home, in a party or even in the backseat of a cab.

You need to be very attentive to the signs of labor that your body shows and make a mad dash for the hospital if you experience any. You need to be more careful if you had a ‘quick’ birth earlier.

What should be done?

Sometimes, it is not possible to avoid a situation when you start going into labor before you get to a hospital or find yourself still at home. In such a case, you can take the help of these steps:

• Call 911 and tell them that your baby is on its way and that you need an emergency medical team for your aid.
• Unlock the door for the medical team after you call them. Make sure you do it immediately after the phone call because you may not be in the position to do it later.
• 

  Image from askamum.co.uk

  Call your partner or a neighbor to take care of you.

• Call your doctor. She will guide you about what to do until the meds arrive.
• Grab sheets, blankets and towels and put some underneath you.
• If the urge to push becomes very strong, try breathing exercises, lying on your side or panting to put it off. Be sure to take off your pants and underwear and lie down or sit propped up by something.

The rule number one is not to panic. Panic blocks your ability to think. And you need to be very alert to take care of yourself in such a situation.

My baby arrived before help arrived: Now what?

If your baby arrives before help does, here are some steps that can help you:

• Stay calm; such ‘quick’ deliveries get done with ease.
• Try to be very gentle with the baby while it comes out.
• Be careful with the umbilical cord. Form a loop with it which will allow your baby’s body to pass through it. Leave it attached to both your baby and you until help arrives.
• Stay where you are until the placenta also comes out (which will be soon). Leave it attached to the cord.
• Dry your baby immediately and warm it with your body heat (place it on your belly).
• Gently remove any fluid that blocks his nose by running your fingers along it.
• Try to nurse your baby (very gently).

You should try to stay calm because staying calm is very crucial in such situations. And be very careful and gentle when you hold your baby.

Related posts:

1. Ask Yourself these Questions when you Prepare a Birth Plan
2. Causes of Premature Birth
3. Knowing about C-section
4. Managing Premature Births
5. Signals that Indicate You Are in Labor
6. What does the baby feel during Labor? – Part 1
7. What does the baby feel during Labor? – Part 2
8. Signs of Labor
9. An Overview on Labor Induction
10. Risks Associated with Inducing Labor