Intermediate
Technical
IVT
precipitate labour
Abnormally rapid labour lasting less than three hours from onset to delivery.
Full Definition
Precipitate labour, also called precipitous labour, is defined as labour lasting less than three hours from onset of regular contractions to complete delivery. While it may seem advantageous, rapid labour carries risks including cervical lacerations, perineal trauma, uterine rupture, and neonatal complications from rapid descent. It occurs more commonly in multiparous women and may be associated with increased uterine contractility or decreased resistance to foetal descent.
Usage
Usage note: Some definitions use less than two hours rather than three hours as the threshold.
In Context
- "The multipara experienced precipitate labour, delivering within two hours of symptom onset." — Labour progress note
- "Emergency preparation was made due to her history of precipitate labour in previous pregnancies." — Antenatal care plan
Also known as
precipitous labour
rapid labour
Contrasted with
prolonged labour
protracted labour
Don't confuse with
preterm labour
normal labour