Preparation for obstetric emergencies can help correctional health care workers be ready an unexpected event. In a precipitous delivery, the situation may be too unstable to allow for immediate transfer off-site. Correctional nurses should be able to stabilize both mother and baby and attend to labor and delivery until EMS personnel arrive. This presentation is an overview of birthing, including practical information for correctional staff related to normal and abnormal labor, false labor, newborn resuscitation, and common birthing complications. Terms, processes, equipment, and procedures related to birthing are explained in detail.

Educational Objectives

• Review the stages of labor and emergency delivery process
• Explain the needed preparation and equipment for an unplanned birth in a correctional facility
• Describe how to assess for and respond to common obstetric complications

Level Basic