Quick, the baby is coming!

Quick, the baby is coming!

I've shared this a couple of times but am asked often - what to do if baby comes quickly?

In the UK we call this a BBA (born before arrival of assistance) You'll be pleased to know that babies tend not to make a sudden appearance unplanned at home, in cars or out at the shops but it does happen occasionally. Most first babies will not arrive sudenly without warning but if you have had a previous precipitous birth (quick birth) there is a higher chance of a BBA. . So what to do if the baby makes a sudden appearance? Firstly keep calm. The majority of babies that make unexpected fast appearances are absolutely fine because the birth process has not been interfered with. As long as you are over 37 weeks and had a problem free pregnancy, the chance of having an issue is low.

If you start involuntarily pushing, lower yourself down closer to the floor and put a towel or something soft between your legs. Try not to hold yourself back from pushing, just go with what your body tells you to do. The baby's head should be left, neither you or your partner need to pull on it.

Once the head is out, the body will come out much easier, usually on the next contraction or two. If it's taking longer, roll onto all fours or bring your knees up.

When baby is out, lift baby to your chest and keep baby held close to you. If someone is with you, get them to grab a towel to dry the baby and another one to cover them but remain skin to skin to help regulate the baby's body temperature. Most babies are slightly blue when born but soon start to pinken and will usually cry and start to regulate breathing within a minute or so of birth. Don't worry about sucking out mucous and dont do any vigorous rubbing/slapping/shaking. . Leave the cord. Call your midwife if you have planned a homebirth or an ambulance if you haven't. They will assist with cutting the cord when they arrive.

You may find after 10 mins or so if you are still alone the placenta may start to come. You will feel some more contractions and will find that it slithers out whilst you're holding your baby.

Pass these tips on to your birth partner, just incase!