Precipitate labour

1. Big picture

Precipitate labour is an abnormally rapid labour, classically ending in delivery within less than 3 hours from the onset of regular uterine contractions.

The core exam idea:

Labour is too fast because uterine forces are excessive and/or birth canal resistance is low.

It sounds “easy,” but clinically it is dangerous because rapid delivery can cause:

• maternal soft-tissue trauma
• postpartum haemorrhage
• uterine rupture in scarred/obstructed cases
• fetal hypoxia from uterine hyperstimulation
• birth trauma
• unexpected unattended delivery

So in an oral exam, never say “rapid labour is good.” Say:

“Precipitate labour may shorten labour, but it increases maternal and fetal trauma and requires careful monitoring and preparation for postpartum haemorrhage and neonatal resuscitation.”

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