How to Cope with an Unexpectedly FAST labor
Lots of moms (and partners) dream of having a fast labor but sometimes fast labors can be very intense especially if the surges are close together right from the start. First time labors tend to be longer and slower so many moms are expecting surges to start off with long rests in between - but sometimes mother nature throws you a curve ball and you have to go with it.
We asked GentleBirth parents about their speedy labors. Here’s what they had to say.
I went from 3cm to 10cm in 15 minutes. I almost delivered her on the antenatal ward, surrounded by 4 other patients. We bypassed the labor room and went straight to the delivery room. 2 pushes and she was out. I’m hoping that each of my labors go like that. I had it in my head that I wanted an epidural, but there simply wasn’t time. And it was the best outcome for us. I was able to have a quick shower, and get into bed for some well needed sleep.
I went into the labor ward and while they were trying to get the trace machine on me baby was crowning so that was abandoned. Checked in at 9.50 - baby born at 10.01!
An hour and 40mins last week from contraction at ten to holding him by 11.40. Delivered him onto the floor in a hospital corridor. My second to arrive like that only minutes after getting to hospital.
My first baby was 4 hours and 50 minutes from the first contraction and he was born breech at home. My second baby was also born at home, head down in the caul, my water broke as she came out and she was born in 50 minutes from the first contraction. I never went through a transition with either of them, went straight into strong contractions and it was intense and felt much longer. But I was on a natural high after each birth and recovered really fast.
Went from 3cm to him being born in 10 minutes barely had time to get my knickers off!
Yes, my first was a slow paced 5 hours GentleBirth baby and on my second she came out extremely quick. I had pains earlier in the afternoon so decided to nap, woke up at 6pm with things really kicking off, at the hospital by 8pm and DD was born at 8:20pm. I was admitted at 10cm with waters bulging. It actually shocked me with how quick it all happened, and even though it all went okay and there was no interventions, I still felt it all spin out of control for me. I was shivering afterwards and couldn’t get warm, ended up throwing up on the ward after, a midwife told me that’s a normal reaction to a quick labour as the body was in shock.
3 hours start to finish on last baby! The staff ran me on a bed down the halls to a labor room. I hardly pushed and he was out. It was so intense that when they went to hand me my son I had to ask them to please give me a minute! I needed my brain to catch up with my body especially after a calm waterbirth on 1st child but both experiences were great. It takes you a little bit of time to process it all in your head.
Coping with an Unexpectedly Fast Labor
Remember you can do ANYTHING for a minute.
Focus on your breathing - ask your partner to count down the breath for you as the intensity builds in ‘up’ part of the surge.
Try long sighs with your out breath.
Use the Labor Companion in GentleBirth App to support you mentally and emotionally. This track is a favorite of our moms (and birth professionals) to help with ongoing focus.
It’s likely that the time between surges will be short. Take a few deep breaths to ground yourself before the next one begins.
Deep vocalising can be a very helpful coping mechanism.
Have your partner talk you through our mini body scan found (in the GentleBirth book) moving the focus from the forehead, to the jaw, shoulders and hands. Moving the focus of attention to these places and intentionally relaxing them through the surge reduces pain perception and helps you feel more in control.
If you’re at the hospital and you start to feel a consistently strong urge to bare down call your nurse. If you’re still at home get into a knee chest position (your backside is higher than your head and shoulders) while you wait for your midwife or paramedic.
Did you have a fast labor - what helped you cope?