Sudden Home Birth: What to Do

When I was pregnant, I came very, very close to giving birth at home. Because I had a high risk pregnancy, I was being carefully monitored for early contractions, high blood pressure and other conditions that could cause premature or sudden birth. My doctor also advised me to be prepared for the unlikely, but possible, chance of an emergency home labor and quick birth.

Because of this, I read everything I could about giving home births. Even though I made it to the hospital, information about how to handle sudden labor and delivery came in handy later, when a complete stranger started to give birth at a shopping mall. I was standing next to her when she collapsed, moaning, and was able to help her until medical assistance arrived, just as the baby's head emerged from between her legs.

Because of this, I think every pregnant woman should know how to handle an unexpected home birth. If the information doesn't help you, it could help someone you know.

Here are some basic tips to help prepare anyone for an emergency or sudden home birth:

Unexpected home birth - recognize that a quick delivery doesn't automatically mean something is wrong

Some babies simply arrive more quickly than others. According to information found at the American Pregnancy Association website, found here:http://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/firststage.html , early labor generally lasts between 8- 12 hours and complete labor takes even longer. However, every pregnancy is unique and some women, even those giving birth the first time, can have an unusually quick labor - one that progresses so rapidly that that there simply isn't time to get to a hospital or birthing center.

If the pregnancy has progressed normally so far and the baby isn't arriving months ahead of time, try to remember that having a baby is a natural process, whether giving birth quickly or slowly. My mother - and all seven of her siblings - were born at home, without a doctor being there (he arrived later). This was common and considered normal. One of her siblings arrived very quickly.

Preparing for a sudden home birth - have a plan and know the stages of labor

When I had sudden contractions during my own pregnancy, I reminded myself that giving birth outside a hospital was possible, even if I'd prefer to be near medical help (due to my high risk pregnancy). I also read everything I could about unexpected home births and had a plan in place. For me, that meant I'd call a friend or neighbor as well as medical assistance...if there was time. I also talked to midwives and birth coaches. I reminded myself that a home birth, while not my preference, could still turn out perfectly fine. My doctor even reassured me that this was likely, in spite of my condition.

Although hoping an unexpected home birth would not occur while I was home alone, I learned what to do if it did. Experienced nurses and midwives told me that it would be better to wait until the baby's head showed before starting to push - and not to push between contractions. I also had a towel and suction bulb ready to clean out the baby's mouth after giving birth. They reminded me that my baby could be slippery right after birth and to be mindful of that fact.

Sudden home birth: realize that you can call 9-1-1 for help and coaching

If necessary, you can call 9-1-1 and be coached through a sudden or emergency home birth. By doing this, the emergency operator can make sure medical assistance arrives quickly and also provide reassurance to a potentially panicky mother who is experiencing intense or rapid labor. So be sure to have those emergency contact numbers nearby! Check with your local 9-1-1 information center to make sure that you can call there during an emergency birth. Our local 9-1-1 center reassured me that this was fine. Just knowing I had access to an emergency number provided a degree of comfort.

Unexpected home birth - know what to have on hand

After reading everything I could, I also talked to midwives, nurses and labor assistants. Based on their suggestions, I knew I really needed only a few things, including clean sheets and towels and a brand new shoestring (or something equivalent) to tie the umbilical cord. I also knew not to cut the umbilical cord until medical assistance arrived but to make sure it was tied with the shoestring.

Know what to do after giving birth

While sudden, painful labor may be the most intense and nerve-wracking part of the birth process, there are important steps to take after the baby is born. It is important to make sure the baby is breathing, preferably with a nice healthy cry, and that any fluids are allowed to drain from the mouth. I was also prepared to dry off my baby after birth and wait for help to arrive.

If you are at risk or have medical complications, be sure you've written instructions and information for medical personnel - and keep it nearby

Although I was told that the odds of losing consciousness were low, this is a rare possibility during an emergency birth. I made sure to have all medical information, including facts about my specific condition, written down and with eyesight of anyone entering the home. If I did start to go into labor, I planned to grab that info and keep it nearby, just in case I lost consciousness. I listed my medical and other allergies and medications that should be avoided as well as info about any complications I'd had during my pregnancy. With all this information and a plan in place, I felt in control of the situation - as much as possible.