EMERGENCY RESPONSE WEB APP

 

Emergency Childbirth

Emergency childbirth is very uncommon. Less than one half of one percent of babies in the United States are "Born Before Arrival" (BBA), with the majority of these being delivered by emergency medical personnel.

If the person can talk, cough, or is exchanging any air, then the airway is only mildly blocked.

  1. Stand by and let the person cough.
  2. If you're worried about the person's breathing, call 911. 
 

Signs of Emergency Childbirth

  • Very strong contractions approximately 2-3 minutes apart
  • Water has broken
  • Mother has strong urge to push down on the baby
  • The woman says the birth will happen very soon
  • A bit of blood running from the vagina

First Aid

  1. Call 911 or have someone else call and place their phone on speaker
  2. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the task ahead
  3. Allow the mother to decide which position is most comfortable for her
  4. Reassure the mother that help is on the way

    5. If the baby's head is visible in the vaginal opening, birth is about to happen. DO NOT TRY TO ASSIST THE BABY.
    The birth will happen naturally. Your role is to support the baby's head as it exits the vagina.

  5. Wash your hands and use disposable gloves if they are available.
  6. DO NOT pull on the baby's head. let the woman push the baby out.
  7. Support the baby's head. Be very careful because the baby will be slippery.
  8. With a clean cloth, gently wipe off the membrane covering from the mouth and nose.
  9. Give the baby to the mother. Do not remove the coating from the baby's body.
  10. Support the mother as she delivers the afterbirth. Keep the placenta and umbilical cord intact with the baby.

DO NOT CUT THE UMBILICAL CORD

While awaiting emergency services, keep the mother and baby safe and warm. 

For information about this web guide, contact EHS@Yaskawa.com