Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
precipitate labour
Abnormally rapid labor lasting less than three hours from onset to delivery.
Full Definition
Precipitate labor, also called precipitous labor, is defined as labor lasting less than three hours from onset of regular contractions to complete delivery. While it may seem advantageous, rapid labor 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 labor, delivering within two hours of symptom onset." — Labor progress note
- "Emergency preparation was made due to her history of precipitate labor 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