Having a Fast Labor: Learn More about Precipitous Labors and How to Manage them

While only a very small percentage of labors are fast, very few expectant mothers have not thought about what they would do if the baby came very quickly. The medical term for a fast labor is "precipitous" and is defined by any labor that lasts for 3 hours or less from start to finish. These are often the stories that make headlines in the paper, such as "Baby born on Expressway" or "Father delivers baby at home."

Precipitous labors do happen, but parents should be cautioned about several things before they assume they will have a fast labor and get to their place of birth too soon.

1. Precipitous labors are much more common with second or later babies. It is very unlikely that a mother will have a very fast (3 hours or less) labor with her first baby.

2. Exact statistics of precipitous labors are not known, but some preliminary data shows the percentages to be roughly 2% of all labors. This information should also reinforce to expectant parents that their own chances of a very fast labor are quite small.

4. Mothers with a previous precipitous labor have several options with subsequent pregnancies and should not be compelled to be induced to "control the labor."

How to Identify a Precipitious/Fast Labor

Fast labors can be difficult for mothers to identify. One of the key factors in precipitous labors is that not only do they tend to start out with very regular and very intense contractions, the intensity builds quickly. Many mothers will even notice that it feels almost as if every contraction gets stronger and builds in intensity from the last one. This labor can be referred to as a "deer in headlights" labor since mothers can seem almost overcome by the intensity of contractions in such a short period of time both during and immediately following labor.

What to do if you are having a Precipitious Labor

If you suspect you are having a fast labor, it is crucial to get help as quickly as possible. If you have a spouse, friend or neighbor who can get to you immediately it is much better than being alone. If you live nearby to the hospital, it is important to leave as quickly as possible. Do not be overly concerned if you have all of your bags or items with you as getting to your place of birth is more important than if you remember to pack your nightgown or camera!

If you are feeling an urge to bear down and you are still at home, it is better to call 911 for phone assistance and await the EMT's/paramedics than risk a birth in your car. Unlock your front door and stay close to the entrance in a well-lit, warm room. Follow the instructions for emergency birth if the EMT's do not arrive when the baby's head is visible.

What options to consider if you have already had a Precipitous Labor

It is not uncommon to hear that providers recommend induction for mothers with a history of precipitous labor. While this does help to ensure the baby comes out in the right place, it does not at all guarantee tha labor will be less frenetic or painful or even that your provider can prevent tearing that can occur in a fast labor. It is important to discuss your desires and options with your provider well before your due date.

Remember to factor in the distance you need to travel as well as if your cervix has begun to dilate before labor. If they can read the possible and definite signs of labor, most mothers who live within a reasonable distance to their place of birth, (less than 30 minutes) should have no difficulty getting there on time. In fact, some mothers who have had a previous fast labor will choose to leave for the hospital as soon as their contractions start.

Are you at risk for a Fast/Precipitous Labor?

While there is no way to be completely sure if you will have a fast labor, here are several things to keep in mind. If you have already given birth, the likelihood of your next labor being much faster is higher. If your previous labor(s) were less than 3 hours, you are much more likely to have another precipitous labor. If you have a strong family history, some experts believe that this might also increase your chances of a precipitous labor. For example, having two sisters and your mother all having fast labors, while no guarantee, might be something to pay attention to.

Sep 23, 2008 6:46 AM

Guest :

I had a very fast labor for my second child the birth story is below:

Sophia was born 06-07-08 at 8:50pm, she came 2 weeks early and really fast. I was only in labor for 2 hours 50 minutes. The first hour and a half I didn't even know I was in labor. DH and I were out to dinner for our "Last Supper" and I started having pains but they weren't really consistant. All of the sudden they became really painful and really close together....we had to take the rest of our dinner to go. We were on our way to the hospital debating whether or not we should stop by the house to get my bag with my cameras....Nope the pain was too bad, the pain was so bad I wanted to jump out of the car. My husband was doing 95 up the expressway. We got to the hospital at 8:08 did all of that wonderful paper work!!! They finally took me back. While I was changing my water broke and they checked me, I was 4-5! After that I told DH to go home and get the bags and cameras. I confirmed that I wanted an epidural as soon as possible. They said as soon as your blood work comes back. About 10 minutes later they decided to put me in my L&D room. On the short walk to the room I kept feeling like I needed to push....... I got into the room and they decided to check me again (15 minutes later) I was already 8-9 they called DH and told him he probably had about 5 minutes to get back to the hospital! I kept asking for my epidural when they proceeded to tell me it was not way too late for any drugs. I could not believe how that was possible!!! Next thing I knew I had to push I couldn't control it. I had 1 contraction with 3 practice pushes and on the next contraction on the second push she was out!!!!! We had only been at the hospital for 45 minutes before she came out.

Sep 30, 2008 6:58 AM

Guest :

I've had 3 Precipitous labors. All three lasted less than 30 minutes each. My third delivery I was induced...this caused much more pain and didn't slow the labour at all.

Oct 5, 2008 7:30 PM

Guest :

My first came in 2 hours and 14 minutes start to finish. I am now pregnant with my second and am very nervous about delivery. My grandmother, mother and sister all have fast labors, but not 2 hours with number one! My mother and sister both had their 3rd child in 45 minutes. I had complications during delivery with my son and am scared to have my next child in the car with possible complications as well. How likely is it that my doctor would induce me? Is that the best option?

Oct 11, 2008 10:11 AM

Guest :

I had a strange, but fast labor with my 3rd child. With my first, my water broke and i still needed pitocin. 14 yrs later, my second had to be induced due to high blood pressure @ 35 wks. 2.5 yrs later, with my 3rd (& only girl) i had night contractions for 3 days that went away in the AM. The day she was born, my night contractions were subsiding, so I got ready for work. After my shower, still in some pain I called my Dr. He said to come to L&D to get checked. I told my hubby to take our 2yr old to sitter & meet me @ hosp. Halfway to hosp (5 mins) I had so much pain I started to scream & drive! I got to hosp, but couldn't get out of the car. A nurse found me & rushed me to the L&D floor where I had my beautiful baby girl 15 mins later - no pain meds but lots of screaming!! :(

Nov 13, 2008 9:49 AM

Guest :

My second labor was very fast.

No contractions or any signs I was going into labor until my water broke at 7:30pm on June 1st 2008. I thought we had time, so we didn't hurry to fast, but then my contractins started to come really fast. We got to the hospital about 45 minutes from where we live and checked in at 9:15pm. They hooked me up to an IV for fluids and wanted about 1/2 the bag gone before they would give me an epidural. I kept asking if I could have one and they said he was on his way. All of a sudden I had this urge to push and asked if I could go to the bathroom, well the nurse said she wanted to check me and I was complete and ready to push at 10:00, but the doctor was not there, I was not suppose to push, I freaked out being that I didn't get an epidural. The doctor walked in and her head was crowning he said I could push now or wait for a contraction, I did one push and she was out at 10:14pm. So I had a 2:45 minute labor from start to finish. The nurses said I could have delivered about 15-20 mimutes earlier, but the doc on call was not there yet.

Dec 16, 2008 1:12 AM

Guest :

I had a 3 hour labour with my first baby in November 2006. 15 months later I had second baby and the labour only lasted 33 minutes from start to finish. I got to the hospital just before I had the urge to bear down. Although the contractions were very strong and painful they were more manageable second time round. I am now pregnant with my third (will have 3 under 3 years) and feel quite anxious about how fast the third labour will be. It can't get any shorter...can it???

Dec 29, 2008 2:29 PM

Guest :

I had a very fast 1st and 2nd child birth. My first from first contraction to birth was 40 mins. The second was 1 hour from first contraction to birth and he was 3 lbs heavier than my first. I am now pregnant with number 3 and I am quite anxious, as I plan to work till the due date.

Dec 30, 2008 11:23 AM

Guest :

I had very fast 1st & 2nd births.
Baby#1 - first contraction 11pm and wasn't sure if it was labour, in 30 min I knew it had to be. Arrived in hospital at midnight-8cm dialted. Gave me an epidural within 3 min. Checked me again in about 15 min (I felt nothing). I was 10 cm, ready to deliver but I couldn't feel anything so they waited (since the baby wasn't in distress) until the epi wore off. Delivered healthy baby at 4:45am at 34.5weeks

Baby #2 - 1st contraction to delivery less than 1 hr. Woke up at 7:10am, felt a bit of cramping. Jumped in the shower. They kept getting stronger so decided we should go to the hospital. Dropped Baby #1 off at sitters by 7:30 at which point I really really needed to bear down but tried to blow through them. Arrived at hospital 15 min later, husband went to park car and off duty nurse wheeled me up to 15th floor!!! Who decided on putting labour and delivery on 15th floor?!? I can feel the baby coming down as we're heading to the room. I stood up and I could feel the baby crowning. I was afraid to lie down for fear of crushing him. So the nurse pushed me on the bed and I delivered baby #2 with my street clothes still on + shoes! Hubby missed the birth... he was parking the car. Healthy baby delivered at 8:00am at 38 weeks.

Baby #3 is due March 18th/09... birth plan is to make it to the hospital on time. We have an emergency birth kit ready in the car just in case, and the bag is packed and in the car also, just in case. Hubby has also read up on how to deliver a baby in an emergency. We are also not going to be taking any chances by venturing out of the city after Valentines Day, just in case the baby comes as early as #1. I guess we can just hope and see...

Dec 31, 2008 5:24 PM

Guest :

I had my first contraction at 12.30 pm and my daughter was born at 1.22pm. So my labour from start to finish was only 52 mins, i was only in the deliver suite 8 mins. Was very fast, she was also born in the water sca 'caul'. It was quite scary everything happening so fast!

Jan 7, 2009 5:55 AM

Guest :

my first child was born 6years ago after a 5hour labour... not too bad. my 2nd however was born 9weeks ago. i was induced at 38weeks due to high bp. after having the prostin gel inserted i immediately became aware of mild tightenings but was told i was experiencing 'prostin pains' so not to worry. i went to bed that night wondering when i would be meeting my little one to the next thing waking up feeling what can only be described as a pop then a gushing of fluid.. my waters had broke! followed by a considerably painful contraction. i alerted the midwife who after examining me advised i was only 1cm dialated so to go back asleep. not 5minutes later i was having another very strong contraction but didnt tell the midwife as i thought i just had a rubbish pain threshold! soon after i felt the urge to push i rang my bedside buzzer as i was still on the ward with no one thinking i could be in labour (i hadnt even made a sound as i didnt want to wake the other ladies on the ward up!) anyway the midwife calmly walked in and examined me followed by an 'oh my god we have to get her to delivery'... too late, before they could open the door to wheel me out on the bed i did one more push and out came laila. 40mins was all it to took to fit all that commotion in. no tearing no pain relief and no midwife.. not until the last push anyway, mind the pun.

Jan 11, 2009 5:00 PM

Guest :

2nd son born extremley quickly .. Dilated 7 cms in 4 mins .. Labour lasted 40 mins .. From waters going to delivery ..
My boy ended up in scbu for 24 hrs on glucose drip .. Born 9lbs 3..

If I had 2nd son first I would not have had any more .. My first labour was 10hrs ..

Talking to my mother she had a very quick labour with my brother .. He was nearly born in the hairdressers !!!

Jan 12, 2009 12:56 PM

Guest :

I have 2 children and now pregnant with my 3rd. The first 2 labors were both extremely fast. With my first child my labor was 45 minutes start to finish. I had no contractions, when my water broke then contractions came on fast and hard and 45 minutes later my daughter was born. We barely had time to make it to the hospital and in fact her dad didn't even make it there in time for her birth because he was at work.
With my second child my labor was 1 hr & 45 minutes start to finish. Contractions started at 10pm and by the time we made it to the hospital i was fully dialated and ready to push. My son was born at 11:45pm.
I am hoping with this 3rd pregnancy it goes by fast as well, even though i didn't get a chance to have any pain meds with the first 2 i was just glad it was over with so quickly. After having 2 fast labors i don't think i want to experience a long labor with this one.

Jan 12, 2009 1:13 PM

Guest :

I had a fast first labor and am now pregnant with my second and wondering how fast my second labor will be.

For my first labor, I felt extreme groin and back pain at 10:30 pm. I had to use the bathroom and had loose stool for about 15 minutes. I was a little worried that it was food poisining. After 15 minutes, I still felt like I needed to use the restroom but there was nothing more to come out. We decided that something must be wrong and headed to the hospital (it was my due date). I arrived at the hospital one hour after my first pain and was 9 cm dilated. I got an epidural about 30 minutes later (after transition). Then things slowed down a little. My doctor broke my water and I ended up pushing for 3 hours. Total time from first pain to delivery was 5.5 hours. So, not as fast as others but I am still worried that I will dilate to 10 cm in minutes next time and now we have to worry about getting my daughter to a safe place before heading to the hospital. From other posts, it seems like the safest thing to do is to take her with us and have someone pick her up there.

Jan 21, 2009 5:57 AM

Guest :

Guest:
I had a very fast labour second time round:
My waters broke at 11:15p.m and my son was born at 1:01a.m weighing a healthy 8lbs 4ozs. I had no pain relief as I didn't arrive at the hospital until 12:30a.m.

Jan 31, 2009 7:18 PM

Guest :

My first labor was 3 hours exactly...when i got to the hospital one hour before I delivered none of the nurses believed me when i told them i had to push. they refused to check me after a half an hour saying i would be in labor all night. When I told my husband to get the doctor they all couldn't believe i was ten centimeters.
My second was induced cause i was a week overdue with just cervidil. That labor only lasted 1 hour 8 mins.
Im due for my third in one week...I hope i can make it in time

Feb 15, 2009 3:37 PM

Guest :

My first labour was 12 yrs ago and was a very 'normal' 11 hrs. I had my second baby 2 years ago and it was fast. My waters started trickling at 12:30pm and I wasn't sure if I wet myself or if it was my waters as I was not having contractions. Went to the hospital and waited an hour to be checked in the day assessment unit. By the time they saw me it was clear it was my waters and I had diorea and a show whilst waiting. They put me on a monitor and my contractions started. 25mins later they were 4mins apart so they took me striaght upstairs. It all moved very quickly and my son was born 3 hrs later at 5pm- 3hrs 25mins from my first contration. It was so painful as it was relentless and each contraction was worse there was no getting used to the pain. By the time I wanted an epidural it was too late, and I went into shock after the birth and couldn't hold him for 20mins until I'd stopped shaking and vomiting. I am due my third baby in July and am wondering how to make it easier on myself next time as I don't want the shock again, but as I live at least an hour away from the hospital now and it is in the city centre (I will be screwed if I labour during rush hour!) the chances are I will be too late for an epidural again. Does anyone have any suggestions about pain relief or practical advice on coping with the distance issue? I know I was not as quick as most of these posts but I think the third might be, and the hospital are very dismissive!

Feb 23, 2009 4:16 PM

Guest :

My first baby was a very average delivery - about 8 hours. The second happened fast. At 10:55 pm I had one hard contraction and my water broke immediately afterward. We had our neighbor come to be with our 2 year old and raced to the hospital, pulling over once to get through a contraction and running a red light (no other cars present). I had had 5 or so contractions in the time it took to get to the hospital, checked in and made it to L & D. I was examined and told I was dilated to 2 cm. I had 3 contractions and on the third, told the nurse that it felt like it was a big one - she checked me and found I was dilated to 10! I felt ready to push and asked the nurses if they knew how to help me do this! I so ungracefully screamed through the entire thing, half out of fear. From 1st contraction to birth was 1 hour and 35 minutes. I am due to have #3 any time and am scared to imagine that I may have to deliver a baby myself. I pray we get to the hospital in time.

Feb 23, 2009 5:11 PM

Guest :

Feb 24, 2009 11:23 AM

Guest :

I had my first baby on November 21/08. I was 38wks 4days. I got up just to use the washroom at 4:30am and I was walking back to bed feeling like something was dripping. I thought this is odd and waited to go to bed for a bit. About 20 minutes later I was still dripping so I woke my husband to tell him I think water broke. I explained to him that I had no other pains except "period pains" in my lower back and thighs. So I decided to call my midwife at 5am. SHe said call her later to keep her updated as this is my first child so I won't go into the final stages of labour til later. Well by 5:30am I was contracting I couldn't keep time. I had my husband call the midwife back at 6am and give her an update because by then I wanted to push, she told him to come to the hospital. My husband called the ambulance as I had a fear of not getting there on time. We arrived to the hospital at 6:35am and our beautiful son was born at 6:53am. He had to spend 2 days in the NICU to monitor his breathing but he is a healthy 3 month old boy! I am excited to have another baby but I believe I will move faster for the next one!!!

Mar 2, 2009 9:40 PM

Guest :

My first baby was born 5 minutes after i arrived in the hospital. I had a check-up with my doctor two hours earlier. she said i'm only 3cm dilated and is due to deliver in two or three days. Whew! it was pretty fast but it was surely an experience i'll never forget. Imagine if i hadn't made it to the hospital on time -- i'd probably make it to the headlines!

Mar 7, 2009 7:59 AM

Guest :

I have my 3rd baby in 35 minutes from 1st contraction to delivery. The 1st contraction was very intense and they came thick and fast, almost on top of each other. We left for the hospital immediately, which luckily was only ten minutes away and my waters broke in the hospital reception (very embarrassing!), his head crowned almost immediately! A nurse, who was passing through reception at the time, held his head in between my legs while i was taken to a delivery room, where he was born 5 minutes later in two pushes, weighing a healthy 7lb 6oz. My partner had to park the car and very nearly missed it. My body went into shock after the birth which was worse than the birth itself. Due baby number 4 in 2 weeks and im very scared! I live further away from the hospital now but my midwife refuses to recommend me to be induced. Will have to wait and see!!!!

Mar 7, 2009 7:00 PM

Guest :

I had a precipitous labor with my first - 8 pounds 10 oz. Fortunately, I had already planned a home birth and the midwife was 10 min away - faster than I could have gotten to the hospital. Home birth should be considered a viable option for those women with this history. At least then you have a trained professional there, rather than alone at the side of the road or something!

Mar 11, 2009 7:16 AM

Guest :

My 2nd child was born 12/9/96. 2 weeks early. I was only in labor for 1.5 hours. I didn't even realize for the first hour that I was in labor. I had extreme diarrea and stomach cramps and assumed I had a bug or something. I didn't realize everytime I was using the bathroom I was pushing the baby out. When I finally realized what was going on it was too late. I stood up from the couch to say lets go to the hospital and my water broke and I could feel her head in between my legs. I had to quickly remove my clothes and thankfully my husband and my mother happened to be with me at that time. My husband called 911 while my mother delivered her first granddaughter! It was so fast there was no time for panic. Everyone was very calm after she was born, except for me. I was worried that something was wrong with her. No need for worry, she was healthy and beautiful. Within 3 minutes of her birth the police and firemen arrived. Needless to say, about 10 strange guys were having an exciting night saying they've never gone to a call where the baby was already born!

Mar 13, 2009 10:37 AM

Guest :

After a 36 hr labour with my first child,I expected my second to be a bit shorter, but not as quick as it turned out to be. I woke up the morning after the first snowstorm on Dec 10 (one month before my due date) at 7:15 to my water breaking. My hubby was just getting ready to shovel out the car so he could leave for work & I told him that we were probably going to head to the hospital instead. I wasn't contracting but started preparing to get our older daughter ready to go to the sitters. I packed my bag for the hospital, changed the bed & had a quick shower.Just as I got into the car I had my first contraction & boy was it intense! The roads hadn't been plowed so it took a while to get to the main highway. My second contraction was 15 minutes later & stronger. 10 minutes later I had the third contraction & I remember thinking that if they kept getting stronger, I'd never make it to the hospital. At one point my husband told me to relax & breathe slowly (he was afraid that I was hyperventilating). I snapped that she should worry about driving & I'd worry about breathing. He said later that he realized I was probably in transition & that we might not make it to the hospital in time. It took over an hr to get to the hospital & by the time we arrived, I was sitting on the edge of the seat because there was so much pressure and the contractions seemed to be back to back. My husband went to park the car & the clerk in the admitting room took her time admitting me. It was nearly 10:00 by the time a nurse came to take us to Labour & Delivery. I was feeling very strong pushing sensations & having to pant through every contraction. At L&D, they gave me a gown to put on & then everyone left me to go get the delivery suite ready! At this point they still hadn't checked me but when they did my hubby said he could see the head.They quickly rushed me into the delivery room. I looked at the clock as we went through the door. It was 10:19 & I remember thinking that I'd probably have a baby by 11:00. She was born at 10:21, with just one gentle push. It was a little scary because she wasn't breathing at first but they aspirated her & she started to cry. My recollection of the whole event was sketchy because it happened so fast so I was grateful that my sweet husband was able to remember details to fill in the gaps.

Mar 14, 2009 9:40 PM

Guest :

My first labour was fast...3 hours, but my second child was born in only 45 minutes. We barely made it to the hospital and were there less than 20 minutes before our son arrived. Labour started with a single intense contraction that woke me out of a sound sleep and the rest of the contractions came crashing in one after the other, virtually no time in between them, from the outset. I'm glad we made it to the hospital, but am nervous about another fast labour in a future pregnancy. I was really hoping for an epidural, but there was no time for anything at all. This one was pretty intense and painful...but now that it's over with, I'd still rather give birth sooner rather than later. I'll just have to be sure to stick close to home next time when it's near my due date. I never understood why some some people gave birth on the side of the road, but now I do!

Apr 27, 2009 5:55 AM

Guest :

My first labour was 2 hours from beginning to end. I had a 'show' at about 7.30pm, and was told that I would probably go into labour in the next 48 hours. Surprisingly I had my first contraction at 9.30pm. The contractions came close together from the start and I had the urge to go to the toilet several times (I later found out that I was trying to push the baby out into the toilet!). After about 20 mins I noticed some blood and the hospital told my husband to bring me in. I had intense and painful contractions in the car all the way to the hospital. When I arrived the midwifes realised that the contractions were very close, so I was taken straight to the delivery suite, where I was found to be 8-9cm dilated. I had no time for any pain relief other than gas and air. The midwife couldn't find a heartbeat and asked me several times when I had last felt my baby move, which left me fearing the worst, but I knew that whatever the outcome I had to try to push the baby out. When my waters broke they were meconium stained. At this stage the midwife looked very alarmed and pushed the emergency button and before I knew it I was surrounded by half a dozen medics. The obstetrician asked me to give one last push before they performed an emergency caesarian, and fortunately I was able to push the baby out at 11.30pm. To my relief he was fine.

Anyone who thinks a fast labour is a breeze is wrong. I felt completely unprepared. I was in shock afterwards, and it is likely that my baby was in distress because he was completely unprepared too. I am due again in 4 weeks. I have been told I should go into hospital at the first sign of labour. And now have the added complication of finding someone to look after my toddler as soon as I go into labour!

May 12, 2009 1:59 PM

Guest :

I wish I would have found this website 3 months ago and here is why...
At my 38 wk appt I was "3 cm, paper thin & head was down low" -- I was instructed to tell this to the doc/hospital when I went into labor. 4 days passed w/nothing to report, then around 3:30am on the 5th day I woke up w/some cramping (not what I would still consider a contraction) & blood so we decided to call my OB. While waiting for the on-call doc to get on the line, my water broke. The time is now 4:10am. The on-call doc tells me that she'll meet me at the hospital but to take my time & eat some breakfast. I decide to take a shower, DH left to make me something to eat & my first real contraction occurs (started in my back & would creap around to my belly). We start timing them & by the time I get out of the shower & DH gets me some food, I tell him that we need to go to the hospital. The contractions had gone from 6.5 min to 5 min to 3 min to 2 min to 1 min & I'm not sure when one is ending/beginning. As we leave the house (around 4:45am) I comment that I can't wait for the epidural. During the 3 mile car ride to the hospital I have 3 really strong, painful contractions along w/terrible pressure of baby's head on my pelvis & an awful urge to push. We finally get to the street where the hospital is located & we hit yet another red light (we already ran several others). What is worse yet is that it is a one-way street going the opposite direction that we need to go. I tell DH to just turn and he drives the wrong way to the entrance of the hospital. He then gets out of the car (it is now approximately 5:00 am) & runs to security to get a wheelchair for me. The security guard is an elderly man & is taking his sweet time getting me to the hospital registration area/triage. I tell him to please hurry since when I got out of the car I could feel the baby's head between my legs. We get to the registration area, they want to casually check us in but I plead with them that the head is crowning (not that I know that is what is going on but it sure felt like it) & to open the door to triage. They get me into the triage room, undress me, confirm that the head is crowning and get me onto the table. I asked if it is still possible to have the epidural & they laughed at me. I then had another strong contraction/urge to push, felt excruciating pain and the midwife told me that I had a baby boy (2/18/09 at 5:06am). No one could believe that I had just given birth to my first baby.

Jun 10, 2009 9:31 PM

Guest :

My mom had preciptious labors with all three of her children but my sister had normal births. My sister and I have different fathers and my Sis seems to take after her dad and I tend to take after my mom. I am now 30 weeks pregnant can anyone tell me if I am more at risk for having a preciptious labor? No one else besides my mom in my immediate family has had fast labors?

Jun 24, 2009 5:36 PM

Guest :

my first labor was 16 hours long.

my 2nd was 2 1/2 hours- i woke up dilated to 8

my 3rd was 1 hour 20 min- i woke up dilated to 10! had her 20 minutes after i got to the hospital.

my 4th was 30 min and she was born at home. i knew it would be fast and i begged them to induce me and they refused after they agreed at first.

now im pregnant with my 5th and last child and im worried about another home birth. ive talked to my doctor about my fast labors and they kind of chuckled and said I should camp out near the hospital. I dont think its a laughing matter. I think they should induce me. Im going to end up having another home birth or a birth in the car.

all of my children have been born 1-3 weeks early and they were 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 lbs.

Aug 19, 2009 2:17 PM

Guest :

Baby # 1 - typical birth - labor progressed throughout the day - water broke in evening during very strong contractions - went to hospital had son a few hours later.

Baby #2 - slow labor that took 2 days two progress - Finally, at hospial laboring - nurses suggest epidural to try to help me relax to make contractions come sooner - I agreed - sat up for the epidural and while they were putting it in I finally felt 2 hard end of labor contractions - felt the baby drop down during first one and his head was coming out with the second - they stop doing the epidural - and I pushed out baby.

Baby #3 - Had contractions 7 minutes apart for 6 hours - stayed at home to labor and wiped out mucous plug and told hubby it was time to go - labor instantly changed to 3 minutes apart - 5 minutes later they were 2 minutes apart - 15 minutes drive to the hospital and contraction is a hard end of labor one as I pass the nurses station - 13 minutes later son number 3 is born.

Baby #4 - Expecting a girl any day now. Dilated to 2 and 50% effaced. Nervous that this one will even faster than the last. Seems to get faster the more you have

Aug 28, 2009 7:08 AM

Guest :

My first child was a planned c-section for breech, so I have no idea what that labour would have been like. My second child was a VBAc and the labour was 5.5 hours from start to finish.
My third child was born six days ago and the labour was under 2.5 hours. My water broke at 3 am and contractions started at 3:30 am immediately six minutes apart and moderately painful. In under an hour they became incredibly painful and we headed to the hospital. I have no idea how dilated I was when we arrived, as I felt the urge to push before my midwife got a chance to check me. He was born within about 30 minutes of us getting to the hospital.

Sep 14, 2009 8:14 AM

Guest :

First baby (22 years ago) 5 Hrs (Pethadine put me to sleep and baby girl born with black eyes because I refused to push for two hours till my Mother got back)

Second Baby (20 years ago) 1 1/2 Hrs and a lot of hating those who wouldn't give me something for the pain. Put in Labor room only 1cm dilated, had to call in midwife twenty minutes later and poor woman had to try and get her gloves on while baby was crowning.

Third baby (19 yrs Ago) broke water in Morning but have uncanny ability to stop labor progressing. At 3 threat of needle if I didn't get on with it saw baby born just after 5.

Fourth Baby (17 Years ago) drove very fast to hospital demanded epidural or I would not do this Doctor caught baby by foot as he came out while holding needle for epidural in my back (20 minutes).

Fifth Baby (5 Years ago) Drove to hospital and was told only 3cm so long time to go. Told them Have fast labor but the said they would put me in ward room any way as it was a long time since my last was born. By the time we got to room I was ready to run (should have know this was bad sign as I tend to try to flee when labor is about to start) New Husband was happy to let me walk out to car but made me go back fairly fast when he worked out I was in such pain and contractions were on top of each other. Called in nurse who took us back to labor ward and delivered baby ten minutes later in the middle of shift change. (45 minutes)

Sixth baby due in about 4 months. Have been two weeks late with all of them but fast labor frightens me because pain is so intense and you just have no time to deal with it. Nurse has told me first twinge to make sure I’m heading to the hospital, would rather have a false alarm then a baby delivered on side of road. Have had bad reactions to all pain relief so far, Epidural makes my blood pressure drop dangerously low, Pethadine puts me to sleep and I hinder the progress of the birth, Gas makes me throw up so have asked to try Tens machine this time round. Also have partner reading up on how to deliver baby if we are late. Small country hospital is not that far away but an ambulance could take hours to get to you.

Mother also had fast labors but has high pain tolerance. On 3rd pregnancy she was put on bed rest in hospital week before due. Told nurse she thought she had a contraction, nurse said she would chech pulled back sheet and found baby was crowning..... Wish she had given me that part of her labour too.

Oct 12, 2009 10:42 AM

Guest :

Labor for my first child was less than 2 hours. She was three weeks early. I had my regular weekly doctor visit at 2pm- feeling fine, just a little tired and some discharge. She said I probably wouldn't make it to my due date. Went home, cooked dinner and went to sleep. Woke up to go to the bathroom, felt a pop and was instantly in very intense pain. I had 3 contractions at 5 mins, then they moved to three minutes. Before the Doc could call me back and my husband could get dressed the contractions went to a minute with constant pain in between. We left for the hospital and didn't make it. I told my husband to turn around and go to the fire station. My daughter was delivered on the side of the road in a ambulance. We are planning a second pregnancy now and I am completely terrified. Doc talked about inducing, but since my daughter was 3 week early- they won't induce that early. My birth plan for #1 was to have an epidural, I took for granted I would actually be in a hospital. Birth plan for #2- is to be in a hospital- don't even care about an epidural- just want to be in a hospital.