Patient in Labour

Authors: Alex Ruddy / Editor: Tadgh Moriarty / Codes: Published: 09/05/2023

Whilst managing labour and birth in the Emergency Department (ED) is an uncommon occurrence, there are many reasons why a mother may present to the ED whilst in labour. Therefore, being able to manage a patient in labour, and subsequent delivery is an essential skillset for EM practitioners.

Learning objectives:

  • Assessment of patients in labour
  • Risk stratification for patients in labour
  • Management strategies for both imminent and non-imminent delivery
  • Identification and management of complications associated with labour

References

  1. Sharp B, Sharp K, Wei E. Precipitous labor and emergency department delivery. Emergency Department Management of Obstetric Complications. 15 May 2019;:7589.
  2. Gupta AG, Adler MD. Management of an unexpected delivery in the emergency department. Clinical Paediatric Emergency Medicine. 2016;17 (2):89-98.
  3. National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline: Intrapartum care for healthy women and babies. 2014 (Updated 2017). [Accessed 21 Oct 2022].
  4. Deakin CD, Davies R, Patterson T, Lyon R, et al. Special circumstances guidelines [Internet]. Resuscitation council UK. Resuscitation Council UK; 2021 [Accessed 21 Oct 2022]. 
  5. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green-top Guideline No.42. Shoulder dystocia. 2005 (Updated March 2012).
  6. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green-top Guideline No.50: Umbilical cord prolapse. Nov 2014.
  7. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green-top Guideline No.20b: Management of Breech Presentation. March 2017.
  8. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green-top guideline No.52: Postpartum Haemorrhage, Prevention and Management. Dec 2016.
  9. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green-top. Guideline No. 47: Blood transfusion in Obstetrics. May 2015.

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