Having basic knowledge of the course of labor and safe childbirth may be helpful when childbirth is proceeding. Healthcentral.com says emergency measures are necessary when childbirth is imminent and no medical help is available. Indications can include the rupturing of the amniotic sac, full dilation of the cervix or the appearance of the baby's head at the vaginal opening.
Emergency Childbirth
When it comes to childbirth, most women are able to make it to their birthing destination, but not all. Med-help.net lists the following as reasons why emergency childbirth may occur: when no transportation is available, when the delivery of the baby can be expected within five minutes, when the hospital or doctor cannot be reached, when the contractions or pain is too severe to allow a mother to be transported to a hospital, or if the baby is crowning. Childbirth can be an unpredictable experience, and Natural Childbirth explains that familiarizing yourself with emergency childbirth protocol is a good idea.
Standard Childbirth Process
There are no guarantees that an individual's labor experience will go as she hopes it will. Even without the help of medical professionals though, childbirth can still be an exciting experience. Natural Childbirth says that most primary care physicians and obstetricians will touch on the subject of an unexpected birth and the stages of labor. In the first stage, the womb contracts and begins to open, allowing the baby to journey down to the birth canal. In the second stage, the mother bears down to help the baby through the birth canal, and in the third stage, the afterbirth is expelled.
Preparations
Med-help.net goes over some of the preparations to ensure a safe emergency childbirth. A hard, elevated surface is best for the mother to lie on, and there should be a lot of lighting in the room. Regular contractions that last anywhere from 50 to 60 seconds indicate the end of the first stage of labor is nearing. Contractions can be timed by placing a hand on the expectant mother's abdomen. Med-help.net explains the uterus will feel hard during a contraction, and will relax when the contraction is over.
Delivery of Baby
The emergence of the top of the baby's head at the vagina marks the beginning of the delivery stage. When the head fully emerges, a rubber bulb syringe can draw fluids out of the baby's mouth. Med-help.net says that if an arm or leg is the first part to emerge or the baby's shoulders are wedged, the mother should be transferred to a hospital, as a normal delivery will not be possible. Supporting the head helps to get the baby's lower half out. The cord can be taken out of the way by hooking a finger around it and pulling it around the baby's head. Once the baby is out of the womb, raising the baby's body allows additional mucous to drain from her nose and mouth. A healthy baby should start to breathe and cry.
Afterbirth
Once the baby is out, the placenta will follow shortly. Med-help.net says that the placenta is usually delivered within 10 minutes after the baby is birthed. When the placenta appears at the vagina, it should be grasped and gently rotated, rather than being yanked out. The placenta can be placed in a plastic bag and taken to the hospital to ensure the entire placenta has emerged. Lacerations and a small amount of vaginal bleeding are common. Rubbing the uterus can help it contract and control the bleeding. Thefarm.org says the cord should not be cut until the afterbirth has completely emerged.
Cautions
If the baby is delivered successfully without the help of a medical professional, it can still be reassuring to immediately follow up with a physician. Otherwise, knowing what complications to watch for is advised. Med-help.net says to be on the lookout for a potential hemorrhage, which will cause the mother to bleed excessively from the vaginal opening. The mother should lie on a flat surface and the uterus should be massaged. Professional help should be sought if there is no improvement or the mother goes into shock. Childbirth is an unpredictable experience, but does not have to be a scary one if you are without the help of medical professionals.
